MINDEN (AP) -- State police are investigating a dog-breeding operation where officials seized more than 50 dogs and puppies.

State police, the Montgomery County Sheriff's office and Fort Plain Police had received numerous complaints about the barn on Route 5S in Minden, 50 miles northwest of Albany. When officers went there last Wednesday night, they found one dead dog and many others living in filthy, freezing conditions. Most were pit bulls. Many had health issues such as frostbite, open sores and worms.

The dogs are being housed by numerous shelters. The owner, 25-year-old Joseph Marriott, told the Utica Observer-Dispatch that he has been raising dogs since he was a kid.

(Copyright ©2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)