Tony Paz with Pets Etc., bathes a Pomeranian after his father, Johnny Paz, owner of Pets Etc., shaved the dog that was covered with large mats of hair built up with feces and urine on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007. (AP Photo/CorpusChristiCaller-Times, Michelle Christenson)

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) - Animal control officers removed 237 dogs from the home of a 70-year-old woman who said she had been breeding the animals, officials said.

Kelli Copeland, manager of the city's Animal Care Services department, said it took about six hours Tuesday to gather up all the dogs, which were taken to a city kennel.

Most of the dogs were Pomeranians, but there were also Yorkshire terriers, two standard poodles and several other breeds. Copeland said they appeared to be suffering from the close quarters.

''They had plenty of food and plenty of water but were not living in healthy conditions,'' Copeland said. ''Many were covered in feces and urine. I think she slowly accumulated them to where they were more than she could handle.''

A workman who made a service call to the home notified the city about the dog situation. Copeland said the woman will likely face several citations from the city.

One of the dogs was euthanized because of its poor condition. The woman claimed that dog had recently wandered to the house.

Copeland said the city will seek custody of the dogs so they can be given to animal rescue groups.

''The homeowner is a very nice lady; I think she loved her dogs,'' Copeland said.

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