GAINESVILLE — Animal control officers in neighboring Hall County rescued 59 dogs earlier this week from a home where they had lived in “deplorable” conditions.

According to a news release from the county, Richard Vaught and Kimberly Halulka, who live on Romey Savage Road in Lula, have each been charged with 58 counts of animal cruelty.

“One of [the dogs] needs to have an eye removed, but he’s incredibly sweet and could be adopted right away,” said Meghan Seabolt, veterinarian for the Hall County Animal Shelter, in a news release.

All but two of the animals are short-haired Jack Russell terriers. Also rescued Tuesday from the home were one long-haired Schnauzer terrier and an older female Chihuahua.

The majority are puppies or younger dogs. Seabolt said all of the rescued dogs required immediate medical attention for flea bites.

Katie Crumley, a spokeswoman for Hall County government, said all of the dogs were “being housed in the home.”

According to Crumley, Vaught took in strays to the Hall County Animal Shelter for several weeks. Employees of the shelter became suspicious and called animal control officers.

All investigations were conducted by the animal control officers.

Thirty-nine of the dogs rescued are ready for adoption.

Those interested in adopting can call (678) 450-1587 or go to animalshelter.hallcounty.org.