Green County sheriff's deputies investigating a report of a large number of Great Dane dogs being raised in a residence seized 46 dogs Wednesday afternoon after a veterinarian determined the animals were at great risk.

The search warrant was executed at a residence in the town of Decatur, about three miles south of Albany.

Four people were charged with mistreating animals, including Allyson Williams, 24, Melissa Harrel, 57, Kathy Williams, 54 and Donavan Williams, 45.

Sheriff Jeff Skatrud said by press release that the department had received seven complaints since February of 2010 about the Great Dane puppy mill, but had been unable to develop enough probable cause to search the home.

"A recent event, which was reported to the Sheriff's Department, provided probable cause for a search warrant," Skatrud said.

In the raised ranch style home, deputies found 46 dogs, including five mixed breed dogs and the rest appearing to be purebred Great Danes, 12 puppies and the rest adults.

A veterinarian at the scene examined the dogs.

"Because of space and sanitation concerns, the health of the animals and the humans residing at the residence was greatly at risk," Skatrud said.