Actress Kate Mara helping rescued Gallia County animals

GALLIA COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) -- Almost 70 dogs and three horses rescued from a home in Gallia County are getting a little Hollywood attention as they begin their rehabilitation process.

Thanks to actress Kate Mara and countless volunteers, the pups are on their way to normal, healthy life.

It's pretty heartbreaking,” Mara tells WSAZ of the conditions the dogs were living in.

Officials say the dogs had very little access to food and water, and some of the dogs were found outside.

“It's incredible to actually be here and just give love to these animals that clearly need so much of it,” says Mara. “To see the pictures of what they were living in and knowing all the medical issues that they have now is really disturbing but I’m happy to be here to start the healing process with them.

Mara, known for her role as Zoe Barnes in the hit Netflix series “House of Cards” and Annie Cantrell in the movie “We Are Marshall” is in Gallia County helping the Humane Society care for and rehabilitate the animals.

“You know for us she's part of the team,” says Chris Schindler with the Humane Society. “She’s here to work with the dogs and truly is a part of our animal rescue team and is helping with the daily care for the animals and it's really exciting to be able to have someone who has been working with us for so long to be able to see some of the additional aspects of our work.”

Mara says she got involved with the humane society a few years ago on other projects and when they contacted her about helping them with this case she says her love of animals and helping them get better brought her to Gallia County.

“Well the reason I do it is not only because I’m a massive animal lover,” says Mara. I’m also just really inspired by the people who dedicate their lives to the Humane Society and animals in general. And all the other people that volunteer it's just beyond inspiring and so being around those people it's just an incredible thing and you don't get to experience that every day.”

An inspiration she says she's glad to be a part of.

“I feel so honored to be here to help.”

Gallia County Sheriff Joe Browning says charges may be filed in the case. The woman who owned the property where the animals were found is due in court soon for an unrelated animal case.