Posted Tuesday --- February 26, 2008 --- 6:00pm

A local humane society is overwhelmed. Investigators seized 20 dogs from a Green County home on Sunday. A Juda woman is now under investigation for animal neglect.

Court records show the woman has a history of allowing her animals to roam freely. But investigators say what they discovered Sunday goes beyond a public nuisance. They seized the animals almost immediately.

Tonya Kelly has a place in her heart for every animal coming through the Green County Humane Society, but the no-kill shelter in Monroe is cramped.

"We have actually cages in middle of the room in the other room," Kelly says.

It has room for 37 dogs. Now, it's home to more than 50. Twenty of the dogs -- most of them chihuahua/terrier mixes -- arrived on Sunday.

"I was very shocked when they all come in but figured this is the best place for them to be," she says.

The Sheriff's Office seized the dogs after receiving a complaint of horses running loose from this Juda farm.

"Deputies that were there felt conditions were unsanitary and unsafe both inside and outside of the house," Chief Deputy Jeffrey Skatrud says.

Skatrud says the deputy discovered feces in the home. Skatrud also says the deputy believed the animals lacked adequate water.

"They seem to be in better spirits ... giving more kisses than they were the first night," Kelly says.

Investigators arrested 46-year-old Bonnie Bitz for animal neglect. 45-year-old Donald Svendsen -- on a probation hold.

"It's a lot to take in, but I take it into heart ... and realize I can find homes for everybody and that's what we're looking for -- good homes," Kelly says.

But the shelter cannot possibly adopt out the dogs until the case works its way through the courts. Until then, it needs all the help it can get.

"We need the money to come in the donations to be able to support food for all of them... the medical attention were gonna have to give them all and staff -- volunteers -- need lots of volunteers to help," Kelly says.

Bitz posted bond and is scheduled to make her first appearance in court on March 31st. If you want to help the shelter, you can find a link to its website below.

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