MONTEREY COUNTY (CBS SF) — At least 70 dogs, cats and kittens were found living in unsanitary conditions inside a Monterey County, resulting in authorities having to humanely euthanize two dozen of the sickest animals.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Monterey County calls it the largest rescue of the year after officials arrived to find the Greenfield home filled with stacked cages, feces, urine and cockroaches.

“This was a house that no pet or person should ever have had to live in,” said SPCA of Monterey County spokeswoman Beth Brookhouse. “The conditions were horrible to endure. Luckily, these animals are safe with us now and we have every hope that they will be able to recover and live long happy lives with new adopters.”

An elderly woman lives at the home but is rarely seen outside, according to neighbors.

In all, seven dogs and 63 cats were found. Many of the animals are sick with ear parasites and breathing problems. The Monterey County District Attorney is investigating the case.