GENEVA, NY (607NewsNow) – Two people face an animal abuse charge in Geneva.

On October 2, authorities executed a search warrant at the home of 65-year-old Brian Hess and 68-year-old Rosemarie Bruno-Hess after receiving a complaint of malnourished dogs the day before.

According to the Ontario County Humane Society, 18 “terrier-type” canines were discovered on the premises and seized.  The dogs had little to no access to food or water and were found living “amidst significant accumulations of feces.”

A veterinary technician allegedly found that all of the animals were flea-ridden, suffering from fur loss, and “severely emaciated.” Despite treatment, two dogs died later that day.

Additionally, 8 other dogs were found dead and in “various states of decomposition” in an unpowered freezer. All of the deceased dogs are being sent to the Cornell Animal Diagnostic Center for necropsies.

The surviving dogs will continue to receive care from the Ontario County Humane Society (Happy Tails Animal Shelter) before they are put up for adoption. The City of Geneva has condemned the house and a camper on the property.

Hess and Bruno-Hess are each charged with felony aggravated cruelty to animals.