Livingston County authorities have seized 13 dogs, but say they may not be able to condemn the filthy home in Mooresville where they were found.

The animal neglect investigation made some officers sick despite wearing protective haz-mat suits during the raid.

Sheriff Steve Cox says the executed a search warrant March 29 in the 800 block of Cherry Street in Mooresville.

Cox says the allegations suggesting animal neglect stem from the conditions inside and around the home.

“The deputies were required to wear Hazardous Material Full Body Suits due to the volume of rotting trash, urine, feces and possibly mold inside the home,” Cox said in a news release.

“Some of the officers were noted as vomiting outside the home,” Cox said.

The Livingston County Humane Society assisted with transporting, boarding and caring for the dogs.

The sheriff says he spoke with the county commission, the prosecuting attorney, and the health department regarding the ability to condemn the property due to the obvious health and welfare issues for the community. The sheriff has learned that none of the current ordinances or laws provides for any relief to the community at this time.

A report was submitted to Prosecuting Attorney Adam Warren and formal charges were expected Tuesday in Livingston County Associate Court. Summonses were issued to two residents for misdemeanor charges of Animal Neglect and Abandonment of an Airtight Container. Officers found a full size freezer/refrigerator abandoned on the property.