WASHINGTON — A couple operating an animal rescue out of their home was charged with 10 counts of animal cruelty on July 27 in Rockville, Maryland.

Montgomery County Animal Services searched Merle and Susan Uskievich’s home on the 6000 block of Granby Road on a warrant and found two dogs and 28 cats inside, according to a news release from Montgomery County Animal Services.

Fleas were visible in the animals’ fur and throughout the home, where the couple ran Alpha Group Animal Rescue.

One 13-week-old kitten was humanely euthanized due to poor health caused by flea infestation. Nine chickens in cramped, dirty crates were also found outside the house.

The Uskieviches said they had turned over all of their animals to Montgomery County Animal Services on July 27, but Animal Services received calls from the rescue’s retail partner about Susan Uskievich dropping off sick kittens in the days following the warrant.

Animal welfare groups that are currently transferring animals to Alpha Group Animal Rescue are asked to call the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center at 240-773-5900 ext. 7.