WARREN, Ohio - Humane agents from the Animal Welfare League (AWL) of Trumbull County has discovered 17 abandoned dogs and puppies, living in unsanitary conditions — all without food and only one dog with access to water.

The CEO of AWL, Bethany Cluckey told 21 News that the league had been working with the southeast Warren property owners for several weeks to address the condition of the animals at the home. Just before Christmas, Cluckey said their humane agents removed two dogs from the property.

When agents arrived for follow-up appointments they found the animals had been abandoned, in conditions difficult for agents to witness, Cluckey said.

"It is very taxing on our agents who respond to these situations, but we continue to do it because there is such a need in our community," Cluckey told 21 News.

The abandonment of the dogs and puppies is under investigation.