Oswego, NY -- State Police said a breeder who handed over more than 50 dogs to animal rescue groups last week will not be charged with animal cruelty.

"We investigated and there was no evidence of animal cruelty under the law," said state Trooper Jack Keller. "We take this very seriously."

Keller said the state police were called to a Hannibal residence on Friday afternoon to investigate a complaint by Tanya Semchenko, president of the Oswego County SPCA. Semchenko said the dogs were in a "horrific situation" and were kept in cages for so long that some couldn't walk.

"There were numerous dogs that all appeared to be in good health," Keller said.

Keller said the state police's investigation is closed.

Several groups are helping to care for the dogs. The majority of dogs, 18 puppies and 15 adult dogs, were sent to HEART Animal Rescue near Buffalo. Rescuers from HEART could not be reached for comment. The rescue group posted on its website that the "breeder asked for help to get out of the business."

Contact Sarah Moses at smoses@syracuse.com or 470-2298. Follow @SarahMoses315