Nearly 300 Chihuahuas and Shar-Peis were rescued from a 900 square foot kennel in Shelby, Ohio this week after the elderly man running the puppy mill died.

Rescue groups from all over the State came to assist the Humane Society of Richland County, as the operation required a large-scale rescue effort to remove and care for the dogs.

The dogs are suffering from a number of health problems including skin infections, eye problems, fleas and overgrown nails and fur.

Although the operation was a licensed kennel, the couny agents classified it a puppy mill, due to the the poor housing conditions and overcrowding the dogs experienced. The dogs appear to have gone without food or water for a week before the Humane Society was called. No charges are expected to be laid as the man's wife lives in hospice care.

"This is the beginning of the life that they deserve," Jennifer Kulina-Lanese, a field responder for the Humane Society of United States, told the Marion Star, as the dogs will finally be able to receive the love and attention they deserve. "This is a happy, happy day."

• Chihuahua
• shar-pei
• Ohio
• Shelby
• puppy mill