MERRIAM, Kan. -- Dozens of dogs taken away from a breeder in Marshall County, Kan., are up for adoption at a Merriam animal shelter.

The Kansas Animal Health Department seized 160 adult dogs and 27 puppies on July 24 from an unlicensed breeding facility owned and operated by John Huninghake of Frankfort.

State officials said the dogs were severely underweight, some to the point of emaciation. Animal pens were too small and badly overcrowded. The dogs’ coats had not been washed. Their hair was matted and filthy, and sanitation was terrible over the entire facility, state officials said.

The dogs seized were pure breeds, and state officials sent them to shelters around Kansas to recuperate.

Animal Haven, located at Interstate 35 and 67th Street in Merriam, nursed 24 of the dogs back to health, and they are all up for adoption.

The shelter is open from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.