PALM CITY, Fla. (CBS12 ) — A Florida homeowner is facing a felony animal cruelty charge after authorities say dozens of Border Collies were discovered living in filthy conditions, with some so covered in feces that their normally black-and-white coats appeared solid black.

The Martin County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were serving a search warrant Monday at a home at 1245 SW Alligator Street. The search follows an ongoing investigation by Martin County Animal Services officers and sheriff’s detectives, who have been working to determine the scope of the situation and the condition of the animals.

“The animals themselves, the dogs, which are supposed to be Border Collies, beautiful dogs, are covered in feces. They’re supposed to be white and black dogs, and they’re solid black from the feces,” said John Budensiek, Martin Co. Sheriff.

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Authorities said 36 Border Collies had been removed from the home so far, while deputies and animal services officers continued working to safely remove the remaining dogs. Investigators said it was unclear exactly how many animals remained inside because some of the dogs were skittish and hiding in the home.

The woman who was arrested was identified as Paige O’Donnell, 62. She is being charged with felony animal cruelty and improper confinement.

“She, on purpose, kept these dogs trapped in this jail that she has behind us and abused them for lack of a better word,” Sheriff Budensiek said.

The conditions inside the home were described as extremely concerning. Deputies and animal services officers were required to wear Tyvek protective clothing because of extensive accumulations of feces, urine-soaked materials, boxes and other debris throughout the residence. Authorities said those conditions were making it difficult and time-consuming to locate and safely remove the animals; they also said it was extremely hot and that she may not have had A/C.

“It’s just stacked with garbage. It’s disgusting in there. There’s feces over every square inch of the house,” Sheriff Budensiek said.

“It’s really sad to see them in such rough shape. But also I’m very happy to see them finally getting out,” said Kelsey Weidenheimer, a neighbor.

Investigators and animal services personnel are continuing to assess the condition of the dogs and determine the full scope of the case.

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Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek provided an update on the investigation. He said the dogs were running loose in the house and conditions in the house were very bad.

“The house is so deteriorated that about a foot and a half of drywall is gone. The furniture is destroyed and the animals are in deplorable condition. The food bowls, the water bowls in there are covered in feces,” Sheriff Budensiek explained.

This case comes weeks after a U.S. Postal Service carrier was arrested after more than 100 dogs and cats were found in her Palm City home.

Budenseik says O’Donnell will face at least 40 charges. She is expected to make her first appearance before a judge on Tuesday.

“It’s pathetic. It’s sad, it’s very sad. She’s supposed to be an animal breeder and she’s gonna let the animals live like that? That’s just, there’s something wrong with her,” said Kimberly Todd, another neighbor who lives on SW Alligator Street.