Dozens of dead or starving pit bulls have been found at an abandoned home east of Los Angeles.

Riverside County authorities say 10 dead animals and 27 others were discovered Wednesday at a filthy, junk-strewn rented property in the unincorporated La Sierra area.

Authorities went to the home after a neighbor reported smelling a foul odor.

Animal Services spokesman John Welsh says the dogs were inside an enclosed patio area, a kennel area and a home with the doors shut. He says they may have been there for days or weeks.

Welsh says the dead animals apparently died from exposure or starvation, and the live ones were just skin and bones.

Welsh says the owner may have been an unlicensed breeder and could face animal cruelty charges when he's found.