GASTON, Ore. -- Three children were taken from "deplorable conditions" at the home of a Gaston-area woman accused of running a large puppy mill on her property, police said.

Carolyn Ohlhauser, 59 was arrested and charged with Animal Neglect II. Police said the three kids taken from the house were Ohlhauser's grandchildren.

"DHS was contacted and took custody of the children who were eventually placed with other relatives," said Washington County Sheriff’s Sergeant David Thompson.

Police and animal control workers also seized more than 100 dogs from the property. Thompson said they were living in their own feces and filth. In all approximately 150 Chihuahuas, two Great Danes, two Sheep Dogs, two Australian Cattle Dogs, 4-5 exotic birds, and two horses were taken from the property.

The dogs appeared to be in good health, but the living conditions were "filthy," police said. Most of the dogs were housed in small cages around the property.

KGW

When deputies and welfare officers arrived at the Gaston home they found the dogs, not to mention chickens, birds, and horses, in deplorable conditions.  “There are a lot of feces ... there are several dogs in small cages,” said Washington County Sheriff’s Sergeant David Thompson.

Some neighbors could not believe the number of animals their neighbor was accused of hoarding, but others said the smell of filth coming from the house was overwhelming. 

“Just driving up there, getting out of the car, you can smell the feces and stuff,” said neighbor Jutta Kress. 

“It’s outrageous and we definitely need to come together and make sure this doesn’t happen again,” added Danae Miller.

"I'm glad to see they're not dying, at the same time we've got to get them out of there," Washington County deputy Dave Thompson said.

Slideshow: See photos of the dogs

Veterinarians were scheduled to check out the dogs one-by-one. Animal Control personnel and Sheriff's deputies determined that Mrs. Ohlhauser had a license to breed and board dogs, she had also been inspected by the American Kennel Club in 2002. Since then it appears that the condition of the house has deteriorated over time due to Mrs. Ohlhauser's inability to care for and clean up after the her animals. Investigators said she was no longer able to care for the animals and she decided to voluntarily give up her rights to them. Mrs. Ohlhauser was very cooperative with investigators. 53519 SW Patton Valley Road in rural Washington County.