More than two dozen frail adult dogs and puppies were found along a rural Doddridge County road, and authorities are looking for whoever left them there. 

Humane officials believe someone operating a puppy mill dumped the small, purebred animals, which included Chihuahuas, pugs, Chinese cresteds and "chiweenies," a Chihuahua-Daschund mix.

Debbie Moyers, manager of the Ritchie County Animal Shelter and county humane officer, said the dogs were found June 3 by a mother and daughter.

The women were driving along Sugar Run Road in Doddridge County just after noon that day when they came across dozens of dogs huddled in the middle of the road. Moyers said the women rounded up 21 of the animals and brought them to the Ritchie shelter.

Moyers said shelter workers went back to the site to search for more dogs and found 10 along the road. One was found dead a mile or more away on a dirt road.

"They were just huddled together in the road out in the boonies," Moyers said. "They were terrified."

Doddridge County sheriff's deputies and State Police are investigating but have made no arrests and named no suspects. 

Deputies have not been available for comment, but State Police Cpl. J.A. McDougal said officers were trying to contact people who have submitted tips.

"At this point we are still gathering facts," McDougal said. "We are still in the beginning stages, and there are no specific suspects at this point."

He said rumors about the animals' origins have been flying all over the county and officers are following up but so far nothing has been proven.

McDougal planned to meet with the deputy assigned to the case to combine efforts. 

In the week since their rescue, one of the 31 dogs has died. The rest, including several that are pregnant, are on the mend. Five have been sent to foster homes to recuperate.

The dogs range in age from pup to senior and were found in frail condition with long nails and cases of mange. Moyer said they appeared to be "just no longer good for breeding." 

"The dogs are doing fantastic right now and are improving more and more daily," she said. "Their little personalities are coming out more now that they're getting that one-on-one time."

Moyers said rehabilitation would be a lengthy process. The dogs eventually will be offered for adoption but could not be placed with new owners in their current state.

They will be sterilized before they are placed, she said.

Summer Wyatt, state director of the Humane Society of the United States, visited the shelter last week to check on the dogs and offer help to the shelter workers.

"I think it's terrible," Wyatt said. "I'm glad they have some safety now with people who love them and care for them."

Wyatt said she would be surprised if the dogs were not from a puppy mill because all are purebred and appear to have been over bred.

Wyatt said puppy mills are becoming more of a problem and West Virginia likely has more operations than officials realize because of the state's lax laws.

"There are a lot more out there than we see because our state does not require them to register as businesses or as breeders," Wyatt said. "Had these animals not been dropped off, we may have never found them. We don't know how many others are living like this.

"I'm so glad they were found. They're precious and in great spirits."

Wyatt said several local veterinarians have offered their services to the Ritchie shelter, which also needs volunteers to spend time with the dogs.

Moyers said the shelter needs puppy pads, rubber gloves and OdoBan cleanser. Monetary donations also are welcome and can be sent to the Ritchie County Humane Society at Rt. 1 Box 3 Harrisville, W.Va. 26362 or call 304-643-4721.

Writer Billy Wolfe contributed to this article.

Contact writer Ashley B. Craig at ashley.cr...@dailymail.com or 304-348-4850.