News that more than 300 dogs had been rescued – many in poor health and all unkempt –unleashed a wave of community concern and outpouring of donations.

A request for puppy pads, canned food, blankets and cleaning supplies was made in a news release and posted on Facebook and by noon Tuesday there were pictures of mounds of toys, treats and detergents that had been delivered to the Wicomico County Humane Society, plus offers to volunteer.

On April 6, the dogs were rescued from a home in Eden and staff has been overwhelmed caring for them.

They requested the public not call asking about adopting the animals. Information will be released when the dogs are ready for new homes, according to a news release.

Monday afternoon, the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office issued a release stating the Humane Society conducted an investigation of the home, in the 5000 block of Cooper Road, and asked Sheriff’s Office deputies to accompany them.

“The only way to describe the situation is ‘filth,’” said Lt. Tim Robinson.

“We weren’t sure how cooperative the people who live there were going to be. They were very hesitant to allow us on the property to do inspections.  We were able to talk to them and they granted us consent to come in,” Robinson said.

One hundred dogs were in the house and another 210 were in a building outdoors. Robinson described it as a “large, elongated barn behind the house.”

“Nobody knew there were that many dogs in the house. It was shocking. Some of them were being sold by the husband and wife who live there,” he said.

All 310 animals were removed and taken to Humane Societies in Wicomico, Somerset and Worcester counties.

“It was heartbreaking when you see these dogs, because of their condition. We started at 10 a.m. and it took us until midnight to get them all. We took them in trucks, in large trucks,” Robinson said.

To help, Evolution Craft Brewing announced Pints For Puppies. For every pint sold in the Tasting Room through Sunday, $1 will be donated to the humane society.

Aaron Balsamo, executive director of the Humane Society, said the animals lived in a "deplorable” situation, likely a puppy mill.

Names of the owners won’t be released until charges are filed, and that can take a while, since veterinarians have to examine the dogs and paperwork must be completed.

Donated items can be taken to the Humane Society on Citation Road, the Government Office Building downtown, Civic Center or the Wicomico County Solid Waste Division on Brick Kiln Road.

To donate money, use the PayPal link on the Humane Society’s Web page, at www.wicomicohumane.org.