More than 30 horses are in law enforcement authorities’ care in Washington State after being removed from filthy conditions at a Pierce County breeding farm.

Pierce County auditor Julie Anderson said that on Sept. 25 U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration personnel found the animals while attempting to serve drug-related warrants. When found, the horses were contained in filthy stalls in barns located around the property, she said. Pierce County animal welfare authorities removed the animals the following day, Anderson said.

"The horses were seized primarily because of the condition of the property and buildings, which are easily characterized as ‘horrific,’" Anderson said.

Of the 39 animals, only a couple are thin and none are starving, Anderson said. Some have untreated illnesses and apparently non-life threatening injuries, she said, and most have hoof issues due to stall conditions and lack of care. The horses are receiving complete veterinary examinations, she said