FAIRBANKS, Ind. (AP) — State troopers and an animal rescue group investigating reports of animal neglect removed 67 dogs, cats and other animals from a rural western Indiana home described as a puppy mill.

Authorities entered the property near Fairbanks, about 15 miles south of Terre Haute, Wednesday morning after receiving reports that animals were in poor health, underfed and living in squalid conditions, state police Sgt. Joe Watts said.

The investigators found about 150 dogs, 35 to 50 cats, 25 to 30 horses, eight to 10 ponies and other animals on the property, he said.

Of those animals, 67 were turned over to the Humane Society for care. Watts said the 52 dogs, 10 horses, four cats and a goat were taken to the Sullivan County 4-H fairgrounds, where an emergency shelter was set up.

Many of the dogs were emaciated and suffered from medical conditions such as open sores, broken limbs and severe skin conditions, Humane Society officials said.

Veterinarians will care for the animals in hopes of putting them up for adoption, officials said.

Police did not identify the owner of the property, but said she consented to a search. The owner was cooperative and voluntarily relinquished custody of the most seriously ill animals, Watts said. The other animals were left in the owner's custody.

Once an investigation is complete, results will be turned over to the Sullivan County prosecutor for a decision on whether any charges would be filed, Watts said.

Humane Society Indiana director Anne Sterling described the operation as a puppy mill, or commercial breeding operation.

"We have quite a few commercial breeding facilities in Indiana, and these facilities, unless they are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are not regulated," Sterling said.