Carroll County officials describe the scene as horrific.  Out of the dozens of animals rescued officials say about 70 didn't survive what's being described as the worst animal cruelty case in the area.

"It was a pretty horrific site.  When the vet examined them all of them were emaciated," said Tammie Crawford, Carroll Co. Animal Support.

Pictures detail what Animal Support Director Tammie Crawford witnessed, 280 animals living inside a garage without food, water and literally surrounded by animal feces and death.

"The deputy that made the call found 27 dead, when we cleared the site we found four more dead then when the vet examined all of them they had to euthanize 37 and more died after that," said Crawford.

Some of the animals were stuffed in cages that allowed feces to drop to from the top cage onto animals below.

"He had one room that had nothing, but ducks, he had rabbits all the way around the building hanging off the building," said Crawford.

Crawford says the person responsible for the animals is Donnie Cannon.

"He is a dealer, he buys and sells at stock yards and swap meets," said Crawford.

The Carroll County Sheriff's Department is investigating the case, but did not return Fox 41's phone calls. The County Judge Harold Tomlinson says Cannon faces animal cruelty charges and up to one year in jail if found guilty.

"We gotten the biggest part of them placed all the chickens and all the ducks have been placed and we have half the rabbits placed we have 16 rabbits left," said Crawford.

The rabbits are up for adoption.  Fox 41 was unable to reach Donnie Cannon for comment.  Anyone wishing to help the Carroll County Animal Support may send donations to 521 Windy Ridge, Bedford, Kentucky 40006.