LAS VEGAS, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- A smoky fire at a small house in the Las Vegas area killed 41 dogs while firefighters were able to rescue more than 50, authorities said.
A man found in the house Sunday evening was reported to be in stable condition Monday.
When firefighters arrived at about 8 p.m., they found dozens of dogs inside and running around the yard. Neighbors said they did not realize there were almost 100 dogs in the house.
North Las Vegas Fire Capt. Cedric Williams said some of the surviving dogs were sent to animal hospitals for treatment. Others were examined at the scene and transferred to shelters.
Isaac Barron, a North Las Vegas councilman who owns the house, said he was trying to evict the tenant.
"As an animal lover, I am heartbroken about this tragedy," he said in a statement. "I was completely unaware of the conditions inside the rental home and filed a notice of eviction just last week after repeatedly being denied entry by the occupants."
The fire, which left the house heavily damaged by smoke, was believed to have started with an electrical fault.
