PIERCE COUNTY, Ga. — An investigation into alleged animal abuse is underway after the Georgia Department of Agriculture says 136 dogs were seized from a Georgia kennel.

“I am incredibly proud of the work our Law Enforcement team did to remove these dogs and address this situation,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. “Our Law Enforcement Division is working every day to send a clear message that crime in Georgia’s agricultural sector – from animal abuse to drug and labor trafficking and everything in between – will not be tolerated, and our Companion Animal & Equine team works diligently each day to ensure our state’s companion animals and equine are properly cared for.”

Authorities found 136 neglected dogs and other live animals inside the kennel. Officials took the animals to get immediate medical attention.

Harper says Georgia Department of Agriculture officials will “continue to build on the partnership we have and the work we’ve done with the Georgia Statewide Animal Crimes Prosecutor to ensure those who commit crimes in the agricultural sector are held accountable.”

Georgia Department of Agriculture officials working with local rescue groups to rehome or foster the animals.