In what is being described as a severe case of animal hoarding, 67 animals were seized in a raid on a private home in the Mont-Laurier region Wednesday.

The 49 dogs, 15 cats and three chickens were all found in the same home. Some were in cages and others wandering in the crammed and filthy dwelling. The Humane Society said the owners were not breeders, and lived in the house with the dozens of animals.

The animals were seized by the Quebec department of agriculture (MAPAQ) and the Humane Society International and taken to a facility north of Montreal to be inspected for illnesses and then will be put up for adoption.

The property owners are facing charges of animal neglect. Social services will also follow up with the owners to provide some counselling.

According to the Humane Society, Quebec provincial animal welfare laws require that all animals have access to food and water, are provided with suitable and clean living conditions, receive basic health care and are not subject to abuse or ill treatment. Animals who are not receiving proper care can be seized from the owner.

Quebec has long had a reputation for being a safe haven for those who abuse animals due to its lax laws, but Quebec Agriculture Minister Pierre Paradis introduced a bill in June that would increase penalties for cruelty toward animals. Fines for a first offence will be increased to $250,000 and a second offence could warrant up to 18 months in prison.

The legislation will likely be studied, debated, and passed during the fall session of the National Assembly.