BROOKSVILLE --SourceThe Hernando County Sheriff's Office says about 60 small dogs were abandoned early Thursday morning near Holden Drive and Hilton Road in Brooksville.
A resident called deputies just before 3 a.m. with a report of dogs barking. The resident saw numerous small dogs in the roadway.
The dogs, which are shitzus, varied in ages from mature dogs to mother dogs with puppies.
The sheriff's office said the dogs appeared to be malnourished with numerous types of skin lesions and matted fur. They were covered with fleas, urine and feces.
Animal Control took the dogs for evaluation and treatment.
The sheriff's office said the dogs might have been part of a puppy mill or back yard breeder.

