KEARNEY, NEB. - An animal shelter in Central Nebraska is looking for help after more than a dozen sickly dogs were brought into its facility following an eviction.

The Buffalo County Sheriff's Office recently uncovered a severe hoarding situation while serving an eviction notice and called the Kearney Area animal shelter for help.

They found 18 dogs living in deplorable conditions, including six puppies discovered in a dark basement who have never seen sunlight before, according to the Kearney area animal shelter.

All of the rescued animals face various medical issues from infections, fleas, untreated masses and more.

The shelter said on social media Tuesday that the facility is already stretched thin, and taking in that many dogs at once has been overwhelming.

The organization is now asking the public for help through donations for medical care, sharing their story, or stepping up to adopt.

The Kearney area animal shelter declined News Channel Nebraska's request for an interview due to the ongoing BCSO investigation.