UPDATE: Monday
PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (AP) - It's a rescue operation that could cost as much as $200,000 -- nearly half the annual budget of the Humane Society of Parkersburg.

But Executive Director Maryann Hollis says it's worth it to see the grateful look in the eyes of any one of the nearly 1,000 dogs taken from a Parkersburg-area kennel over the weekend.

Wood County deputies discovered the dogs Saturday while executing a warrant at Whispering Oaks Kennels in their investigation of possible dog-related pollution.

Kennel owner Sharon Roberts said the dogs were well cared for by her and her six employees. But Hollis says it would be impossible for so few people to properly handle that many dogs.

While most of the animals are in relatively good health, Hollis says a few appear to be suffering from mange, hypoglycemia and heat exhaustion. One's hind legs are paralyzed, but Hollis says an animal rights group is buying a cart that will allow it to move around. The rest will eventually be put up for adoption.

Animal rescue groups from across the country are helping with the effort.

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ORIGINAL STORY: Sunday
PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (AP) - A Parkersburg-area breeder has surrendered approximately 1,000 dogs to humane society officials.

While there were no signs that the purebred dachshunds had been abused, officials say it would be impossible for any human being to properly care for that many animals.

Carrie Roe, the board president for the Human Society of Parkersburg, says many of the dogs had never been touched by a human.

Sheriff's deputies investigating possible dog-related pollution found the dogs Saturday while executing a search warrant on the property.

Wood County Prosecutor Ginny Conley says the owner hasn't been cited for animal neglect but has agreed to never operate a dog-breeding business again.

The pollution investigation is ongoing.

Meanwhile, the humane society says the rescue operation could cost up to $100,000.

For information about adopting the dogs, click here to visit the Humane Society of Parkersburg's website.

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