COFFEYVILLE, Kan. (KAKE) - Authorities in southeast Kansas have arrested two people and seized more than 70 animals living in what the sheriff calls "deplorable" conditions. 

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office said the Kansas Department of Agriculture assisted with a search warrant at a rural Coffeyville property on Tuesday. According to a release, the two agencies found probable cause that many animals on the property and in the home were malnourished and housed in disturbing conditions. 

During the search detectives located and seized the animals, including dogs, cats, birds, snakes, chickens, ducks, rabbits, and a lizard, as well as deceased animals. The sheriff's office said none of the animals had access to food or clean water and they were living in their own fecal matter. 

“The living conditions for these poor animals were deplorable and uncalled for. It was very clear these animals were not being taken care of; they were starving," Montgomery County Sheriff Ron Wade said. "Animals that we call pets rely on their owners to feed, water, and take care of their needs. To keep them cooped up in cages, buildings, and containers, and left to live in their fecal matter and starve is uncalled for. I would like to thank the patrol deputies, detectives, KDA, Montgomery County Environmental office, the vet clinic and the kennels for their assistance and teamwork rescuing these animals. I am sure the animals are very thankful as well.”

Detectives arrested Heather Hall and Rafael Luna-Dezonne, both of rural Coffeyville, for "cruelty to animals: failure to provide food/water/shelter and cruelty to animals: Knowingly kill or injure animals."

A local veterinarian responded to evaluate the animals. They are being housed at shelters until further notice.