Palm City, Florida – Police officers rescued 36 dogs from a Florida home. The homeowner, Paige O'Donnell, 62, has been charged with animal hoarding and cruelty.

The Martin County Sheriff's Office was investigating Paige O'Donnell for animal cruelty before they entered her home with a search warrant this week.

"From the outside, the home appeared well-maintained, neatly groomed, and fenced off. Inside was a much different story," the Martin County Sheriff's Office wrote on Facebook.

As pictures posted by the authorities show, the home was beyond filthy: "The conditions were so deplorable that deputies and Animal Services officers had to wear Tyvek protective clothing while working inside the home. Feces, urine-soaked materials, boxes, and debris throughout the residence made the process of locating and safely removing the animals extremely challenging."

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The dogs found inside the home were also in bad shape: "The dogs were matted, covered in feces and urine, and were in desperate need of care," officers said.

"The food bowls and the water bowls in there are covered in feces," Sheriff John Budensiek told FOX13.

It took the authorities hours to rescue all the animals inside. Per their Facebook post, O'Donnell repeatedly claimed there were only five Border Collies inside.

Officers found 36 dogs.

"All were removed from the home and are now in the care and custody of the Treasure Coast Humane Society where they are being evaluated, cleaned, treated, and cared for."

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"I'm sad for the dogs," Sheriff Budensiek told local news, but added that he was also enraged.

"Anger really pops to the surface first for me because she knew better. She knew what she was doing, and there's multiple people that have tried to help her… Not only did she deny the help, but she… kept these dogs trapped in this jail," Sheriff Budensiek said.

Tuesday, O’Donnell made her first appearance in court and is facing 72 total charges. She's has been charged with 36 counts of felony animal cruelty and 36 misdemeanors for failing to provide the dogs with proper exercise or air, according to the Sheriff's office.

Her bail has been set at $275,000. Per the judge's order, she may not own or possess any animals as a condition of her bond.

Anyone looking to help the rescued Border Collies may donate to the Treasure Coast Humane Society.