Authorities have removed dozens of dogs from a Bay Springs caregiver after concerns were raised about the animals’ well-being.

Jasper County Sheriff Kenneth Cross said more than 40 dogs were seized and were in conditions ranging from dehydration to being underfed and having matted hair.

He said the woman who’d long raised the dogs had fallen ill, leaving the care-taking duties to her son, who Cross said has been cited for animal neglect.

Cross estimated another 30 dogs, deemed to be in good condition, were left at the site.

Allison Cardona, director of disaster response for the ASPCA, said the seized dogs were being held at a temporary shelter and eventually would be made available for adoption.