Todd Unger

Omaha (KPTM) - Close to 40 farm animals and dogs are in the custody of the Nebraska Humane Society following a raid on a property in southeast Nebraska.

Nemaha County Sheriff Deputies and humane society animal control officers seized the animals early Friday afternoon.

The property is in rural Nemaha County, roughly 15 miles outside of Auburn, NE.

Rescuers found 22 dogs, and more than dozen other farm animals running wild on the property.

Nemaha County Sheriff's say it appears owner Yolanda Peck just up and left nearly three weeks ago, leaving the animals to fend for themselves.

"Some of them were obviously underweight and needed some medical attention," says Kristie Biodrowski, a field supervisor with the humane society.

Three puppy carcasses were also found on the property, according to Biodrowski.

Veterinarians at the humane society say the focus now is nourishing the survivors back to health.

"If they stop eating and don't feel well we need to do a further assessment of that animal," says Dr. Amber Horn.

The animals underwent initial vaccinations Friday, and will undergo further observation next week.

Vet reports will be a factor used to determine whether the Nemaha County Attorney will file any charges, according to the sheriff's office.

Those could include animal neglect and cruelty charges.

The sheriff's office says it does appear the USDA licensed the property as some sort of animal 'shelter.'