WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Over two dozen dogs were rescued in an ongoing animal cruelty investigation south of Lynden.

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office says it was tipped off to the situation on Monday, Oct. 5. The investigation involved about 30 dogs at an organization called Pittie Project PNW.

Detectives went to the property on Russet Avenue to find numerous dogs in “extremely poor condition,” living in an unsanitary environment with seemingly no access to sufficient food or water. They noted open wounds on the dogs’ bodies and strong foul odors throughout the living area.

Investigators obtained a search warrant to remove the dogs, who are currently being evaluated and treated with help from the Whatcom Humane Society.

The property owner who let investigators into the building told them a 38-year-old Bellingham woman was solely responsible for the care and welfare of the dogs as the founder of the organization.

According to Pittie Project PNW’s website, the organization specializes in rehabilitating what they call “bully breeds” which include pit bull terriers and bulldogs.

Investigators say the woman received dog food and thousands of dollars in donations intended to support the animals. They also learned that various volunteers had previously removed 13 dogs from the property after discovering their condition.

The sheriff’s office says criminal charges are pending.