ST. LOUIS – A disturbing case of animal hoarding in the Baden neighborhood has led to the rescue of over 20 dogs and the seizure of several firearms.

Members of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department joined the St. Louis County SWAT team in executing a search warrant in the 8700 block of Riverview Boulevard at 6:20 a.m.

David B. Sanders, 69, was arrested and charged with animal abuse and unlawful use of a weapon. Members of the Center for Animal Rescue and Enrichment of St. Louis said authorities found a dead dog and 22 surviving dogs, scared and malnourished.

"Definitely flea-infested; how they were living indoors and outdoors. In a lot of stool, a lot of urine. So, we were able to vaccinate most of them yesterday. Get some of that preventive healthcare. Monitoring a few injuries and a few kinds of wounds going forward," Care STL manager Abbey Ayala said.

The dogs were so traumatized that Care STL had to administer anxiety medication just to calm them. Care STL is working to rehabilitate these dogs, teach them to walk on leashes and prepare them for adoption.

"We have animals in our population that are coming in severely underweight, clear neglect or abuse, wounds and trauma that they've endured,” Ayala said. “Very rarely is it on this scale. This is really exceptional and that it is over 20 animals in a shelter where we usually house about 60.”

Inside the home, the conditions were described as "deplorable." Court documents reveal a history of abuse spanning years, with witnesses, alleging Sanders had struck dogs with objects like wooden boards and baseball bats.

Sanders is in custody and is being held without bond. Neighbors are relieved to see Sanders gone. And now, Care STL is struggling with overcrowding and urging the community to come and adopt dogs.