CARTER COUNTY, Mo. | More than three dozen dogs have been removed from the rural southern Missouri home of a suspected animal hoarder.

KFVS-TV reports that Carter County authorities and the Humane Society of Missouri this week found 38 dogs living in what they called unsafe conditions. Thirty-one of the dogs were taken to the Humane Society in St. Louis for evaluation and possible adoption. A man who lives part-time at the home said the others belonged to him.

Sheriff Bruce Van Belle says the woman who owns the home left the state and left the dogs alone. Authorities found the dogs chained. One dog was dead after apparently being killed by other dogs.

It isn't yet clear whether any criminal charges will be filed.