The San Diego Humane Society and law enforcement officials conducted a days-long rescue operation at an abandoned Vista apartment earlier this week, rescuing 11 dogs and two cats from hoarding conditions, according to authorities.

Animal workers and sheriff's deputies responded to the two-bedroom apartment Wednesday after the landlord, who had not seen the tenants for several weeks, called for help. The four-day rescue operation concluded Saturday.

According to SDHS personnel on the scene, the rescue was extremely challenging due to the amount of trash and debris filling the apartment. The dogs had created tunnels to move around inside the unit, which was stacked floor-to-ceiling with household items, they said.

The multi-day effort required additional staff, large dumpsters and deep cl

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