The facility was located in the backwoods near Parkersburg, W.Va., said John Polis, a spokesman for Best Friends, the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the country located north of Kanab in southern Utah.

“We are concentrating on removing the newborns, the pregnant mothers, and any dogs who need immediate medical attention,” said Rich Crook, rapid response manager for Best Friends, that in the past has helped rescue dogs from Hurricane Katrina, war-torn Beirut and the aftermath of an earthquake in Chile.

The nonprofit animal society is also caring for more than 20 pit bulls rescued from former NFL quarterback Michael Vick's dog fighting operation.

Polis said five Best Friends workers, including a veterinarian, are working in conjunction with Wood County law-enforcement officials and their network of supporters and groups to try to find suitable homes for the dogs.

None of the animals will be brought to Utah.

Polis said by Sunday afternoon, all the dogs had been placed in an emergency shelter in Parkersburg.

Crook said the dogs, most of them dachshunds, Chihuahuas and poodles, as well as other small breeds, were confined sometimes four or five to a cage measuring just 2 feet by 3 feet.

“Many cages had feces in them,” Crook said. “All had poor ventilation. The sheer number of animals was overwhelming, and the odor of urine in 90-plus-degree heat was stifling.”

Best Friends has been working with the Parkersburg Humane Society since last May, when the agency called for assistance in the case, Polis said.

Crook said that he is not aware of any charges in the case and that the woman who was operating the puppy mill signed the animals over to authorities and has promised to stay out of the dog-breeding business.

mhavnes@sltrib.com