OCEANSIDE, Calif. -- Animal control officers assisted code compliance officers from the city of Oceanside in rescuing 22 black Labrador retrievers after serving an inspection warrant at a home in Jeffries Ranch on March 2.

It came after neighbors complained to the city about the presence of several dogs living in the home and not receiving proper care.

Animal control officers, along with Oceanside police officers and firefighters, removed the animals from the residence.

The North County Humane Society, animal control Officer, Seth Heilig said. "Our officers found one bowl of food for 22 dogs and no water."

Heilig said the dogs were living in their own feces and broken glass, and he said the dogs had literally torn the house apart.

"It took the entire NCHS staff nearly six hours to remove the dogs from the home and process them into the shelter," said NCHS executive director Julie Bank.

All 22 dogs were vaccinated and given medical check-ups.

The dogs are being held for 15 days while officers investigate code violations and the alleged lack of proper care.

If no one claims the animals, after the hold period the dogs will be evaluated and made available for adoption.

Those interested should contact the shelter at 760-757-4357.