The stench was so powerful, it stung the eyes of the state troopers and Luzerne County SPCA workers there to rescue the Shih Tzus and German Shorthairs that a northeastern breeder was allegedly selling for $850 each.

According to a detailed report by WNEP-TV, authorities served a search warrant at a home in Conyngham Township, Luzerne County, earlier this week, resulting in the rescue of 19 dogs from a breeding kennel in Wapwallopen.

Citing the search warrant, WNEP reports the property belongs to John Dancho. His daughters, Ashley and Amanda Dancho, allegedly owned the dogs but did not live in the house, the station writes.

When authorities entered the property with the search warrant, some dogs were found outside in five-degree weather, WNEP writes, adding:

State police said the dogs did not have any food and their water was frozen.

Inside was just as bad:

"The dogs were in cages for the most part living in feces and urine. Water bowls turned upside down and urine in the water bowls that were turned right side up," Luzerne County SPCA Humane Officer Wayne Harvey told WNEP, which has heart-breaking video on the case here.

WNEP quoted neighbors as saying they could hear the dogs barking in the freezing temperatures all morning and night.

The 19 dogs that were rescued from inside the home are now in the care of the Luzerne County SPCA.

Officials told WNEP they are not available for adoption right now.

Humane officers told WNEP that charges in the case are pending.