More than 170 dogs were rescued from a home in Effort on Friday by the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Animal Law Enforcement team.

Rescuers said the majority of dogs are Jack Russell Terrier mix types, but they also retrieved cats and a variety of birds from the home.

The initial number reported was 70, but subsequent searches continued to locate even more dogs.

The PSPCA’s team was called to the property by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Dog Law after a resident in the home passed away.

When the coroner’s office responded, they found a large number of adult dogs and puppies at the property and were concerned with the unsanitary living conditions, possible lack of veterinary care and sheer number of animals.

Once the PSPCA’s Animal Law Enforcement officers entered the home, it was discovered that some cats and birds were also present.

Because there were so many animals in the home, a second trip was made Saturday.

In addition to the dogs were two chickens, two peacocks, 12 cats, two guinea pigs, one dove, three finches, one parakeet and four rabbits.

All of the animals were surrendered to the custody of the Pennsylvania SPCA and transported to the organization’s various sites in Lancaster, Philadelphia and Chester counties.

The animals will undergo forensic examinations to collect evidence for potential cruelty or neglect charges and will then be made available for adoption.

“While no harm may have been intended in this case, the owners of the animals rescued were clearly overwhelmed,” said Julie Klim, CEO of the Pennsylvania SPCA. “Though the circumstances of this rescue were tragic in nature, we are grateful that these animals were safely removed from their poor living conditions. We encourage anyone looking to adopt a small dog to consider adopting one of these or any of those currently in our shelters.”

The dogs and cats are expected to be available for adoption at the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Philadelphia facility, PSPCA Lancaster Center and the PSPCA’s affiliate site, Main Line Animal Rescue.

Those looking to adopt are encouraged to visit pspca.org, and as the dogs become available for adoption, they will begin appearing on the website. When they appear online, adopters should visit the various facilities as soon as possible.

The investigation into animal cruelty and neglect is ongoing, and charges are pending the conclusion of the full investigation.

The Pennsylvania State Police. Lehighton barracks, assisted in the investigation.

Anyone with information about this case, or other cases involving animal cruelty, is urged to call the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Cruelty Hotline at 866-601-SPCA. Tips can be left anonymously.