Abandoned dogs were living in ‘unimaginable’ conditions in a Modesto home
Nearly 60 Chihuahuas were found abandoned inside a Modesto home this week after the renter was evicted, leaving the terrified dogs living in piles of feces, soaked bedding and without consistent food and water, according to a Merced-area rescue organization.
It was the second recent Stanislaus rescue for New Beginnings For Merced County Animals, which stepped in last weekend after learning dozens of small dogs had been left behind in a home in Ceres. The group later discovered additional dogs at the unrelated second property in Modesto, bringing the total to more than 80 animals in need of care
“It’s a very sad situation,” said Sharon Lohman, founder and president of New Beginnings, said of the Modesto home. “Every single one of them is terrified.”
Conditions inside the home
When the property owner entered the Modesto house following an eviction lockout, he found dozens of Chihuahuas crowded together in the garage and inside the home, living in conditions he described as “unimaginable.”
“The stench … the feces everywhere,” said Jesus J., the homeowner, who asked that his last name not be published because he fears retaliation from his former tenant. “I thought maybe he had 10 or 15 dogs. I did not expect almost 60.”
He said he had rented the property to the same family since 2008 and was aware the tenant kept dogs, but not in such large numbers. Earlier in the year, he estimated the tenant had 10 to 15 pets. But after an eviction notice was served in August due to unpaid rent, he said, the conditions inside the home deteriorated rapidly.
“When I came before to fix the water heater, it looked clean. It wasn’t like this,” the homeowner said. “After we served the eviction notice, that’s when it went downhill.”
Inside the home, blankets were matted with waste. The dogs were skittish, underweight and living mostly in the dark with the garage door closed.
Rescuers take action
Lohman said New Beginnings volunteers found dogs with rotten or missing teeth, overgrown nails and signs of long-term neglect. None had received veterinary care. “When we were vaccinating them, we checked all their teeth,” Lohman said. “Every single one needs dental work.”
New Beginnings is coordinating the rescue with several partner groups, including Tiny Paws Rescue, NorCal Bully Breed Rescue, CAVA, and independent rescuers who traveled from across the Central Valley to help remove the animals.
The biggest dog — a mixed breed — remains on the property as rescuers work to coax her onto a leash for transport. As of Tuesday afternoon, 18 Chihuahuas and the larger dog remained on site, with more rescues scheduled Wednesday.
“I’m here every morning at 8 or 9 and stay until 6,” Jesus said. “I feed them, give them water, rotate the blankets so they’re not sleeping in their own feces. They look happier now. They’re full, they’re warm, they’re safe.”
Tenant behavior, past calls to authorities
According to Jesus, the tenant returned to the street after the eviction and asked when he could collect “his” dogs and whether he could take four with him. The homeowner refused.
He said the Sheriff’s Office told him deputies had been called to the home about a month earlier but were unable to enter without a warrant. County animal control workers also attempted to intervene around the same time but were turned away by the tenant, Jesus said.
The Bee has reached out to the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office and Stanislaus Animal Services Agency for confirmation and additional details about the welfare checks and any potential investigation. They have not yet responded to The Bee’s request.
Jesus said he plans to file a report with law enforcement but is worried about possible retaliation. “It’s not about recognition for me,” he said. “I just want these babies to be safe.”
Rescue groups seek fosters and donations
New Beginnings and its partner rescues are seeking:
- Foster homes for the remaining dogs
- Donations to cover dental surgeries, vaccines and medical exams
- Supplies, including blankets, puppy pads, cleaning materials and small-dog crates
Donations can be made through New Beginnings’ website, www.newbeginningsforanimalsmerced.org, or via its Amazon wish list.
“It’s going to be a challenge, but we’ve taken on a lot of challenges in 21 years,” Lohman said.
Just last week, New Beginnings flew 127 dogs to shelters in Washington and Montana and drove 63 to Oregon — states with higher adoption rates and less overcrowding.
“These dogs deserve that same chance,” Lohman said.
This story was originally published November 26, 2025 at 11:41 AM.
