201 dogs rescued from acreage near Milk River, Alta.

The Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) says 201dogs seized from a southern Albertaacreagewere in horrendous condition.

AARCScalled the seizure one of the worst cases of neglect they haveever seen. The rescuenear Milk River is the largest removal of dogs in the province's history, according to the AlbertaSociety for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

"They were emaciated, starving, body condition scores one out of five for the most part," said AARCS Executive Director Deanna Thompson. "Due to their breeds, they had major matting of the fur. We have a dog with a broken leg, a broken jaw."

The Alberta SPCA says the animals were kept outside, some chained up, without shelter. They didn't see signs indicating the dogs were being bred to be sold.

According to AARCS, the dogs were a mix of Huskies, Irish wolfhounds, Malamutes and Komondors. Some animals had gaping wounds and were riddled with parasites.

Finding foster homes

Thompson says the dogs are receivingmedical care and beingspayed or neutered.

Roughly 50dogs have already been placed in foster homes throughout Calgary. The others have been dispersed around the province.

Staff at AARCS say two dogshave died but they are optimistic the rest will fully recover.

AARCS is in need of donations to cover the cost of care and good adoptive homes for the animals. They are also in need of foster parents and volunteers.

The Alberta SPCA says there is one person of interest, a tenant on the Milk River property, who is being investigated. They anticipate charges will be laid.

For more information, visit the AARCS website.