BY ERIC D. LAWRENCE • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

The well-manicured lawn and shrubs outside belied the filth and stench inside the two-story Dearborn home, where more than 100 Chihuahuas were removed as of Thursday afternoon by rescuers wearing oxygen tanks, respirators and white protective suits.

The 56-year-old man who lived in the house was identified as Kenneth Lang Jr. by neighbors, who said he voluntarily cut the grass for some. He was taken to Oakwood Hospital for evaluation Wednesday after an odor complaint prompted authorities to start a search.

A few of the dogs were found dead. The rest, many of them shaking, were turned over to the Dearborn Animal Shelter, which is now responsible for evaluating them, providing medical care and finding new homes.

“This sudden influx of dogs is absolutely stressing the staff and the shelter,” said Sandra Boulton, a spokeswoman for the shelter on Greenfield Road.

The shelter is accepting adoption applications for the dogs — when they are deemed fit to leave the shelter — and is asking for donations of money and food, Boulton said. A line of people interested in adopting the dogs for $200 each waited at the shelter Thursday while other people began dropping off food.

Throughout the day, rescuers carried Chihuahuas out of the house.

Other workers used shovels to remove feces and trash that could be seen just inside the front door piled floor to ceiling. Large garbage bags full of waste were carried to waiting trucks, along with more than two dozen large televisions.

As the wind shifted, the odor pouring from several open doors prompted the assembled neighbors to pull their shirts up over their noses and cringe. Workers said the floors were covered in feces and soaked with urine.

“We never thought he was like this,” said neighbor Chadia Saad, 38. “We’re all shocked.”

Nick Siroskey, director of residential services for the city, said the situation appeared to be a case of animal hoarding.

City officials said the house, which has been deemed unfit for habitation, will likely have to be demolished.

All Photos by (RASHAUN RUCKER/DFP)