This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Law Enforcement Department assisted Weymouth Police and Animal Control in rescuing more than two dozen dogs from an overcrowding situation at a private residence.

In all, 31 Chihuahua-type dogs were removed from the home during the operation that involved ARL Law Enforcement and Field Services, Weymouth Police and Animal Control, and Animal Control Officers from Scituate, Braintree, and Cohasset.

ARL took in 21 of the dogs, while the remaining animals were transferred to another animal welfare organization on the South Shore.

ARL vehicle following removal of the dogs from the residence.

One of 31.

Some of the animals were initially frightened following their ordeal.

A pup awaits intake.

Seeing new surroundings.

ARL Field Services and Law Enforcement begin documenting the dogs.

Being fitted with a temporary identification tag.

The dogs quickly began warming up.

One of the youngest in the group -- just 11 weeks!

Settling in.

ARL worked with Weymouth Police and Animal Control to remove the 31 dogs.

The pups will soon be available for adoption!

The animals were removed due to unsanitary conditions, which it typically a byproduct of overcrowding.

One of the dogs needed emergency care and was immediately transferred from the residence to a nearby animal hospital.

The remaining 20 dogs were brought to ARL’s Dedham and Boston Animal Care and Adoption Centers and have received thorough veterinary exams.

Several of the dogs were diagnosed with heart murmurs and dental disease, and the majority will be available for adoption later in the week.

ARL urges the public to reach out to their local animal control or ARL Law Enforcement (617-426-9170 x110, or cruelty@arlboston.org) should they know of an overcrowding situation.

Overcrowding can lead to serious health concerns not only for the animals, but for people living among the animals as well. Additionally, overcrowding often leads to under-socialized animals, creating ongoing behavioral issues, particularly for older animals.

ARL Law Enforcement also wishes to thank and commend Weymouth Police and Animal Control for their steadfast commitment to the safety and wellbeing of these animals, and for allowing ARL to assist in this operation.

This work cannot be done alone and animals urgently need your help now.

Our hearts ache to know that animals are suffering and we know yours does too. Your support today can mean the difference between hope and despair for an animal in need.

Your emergency gift today can support:

• Veterinary care and rehabilitation for the sudden influx of animals that have suffered the trauma of neglect
• On-going investigations of cruelty to protect vulnerable animals
• Emergency response when crisis strikes and animals are in dire need