BOTHELL, Wash. -- Six badly matted dogs were removed from a Bothell home after an investigation into a suspected case of animal hoarding, said Nancy McKenney of King County Animal Care and Control.

Animal Control Officers and rescuers brought six dogs out of the home. Four of them had hair so badly matted that it was tough to even determine their breed.

WATCH IT: Rescued Dogs May Never Have Been Outside

“When the first dog came out I couldn't actually tell what side was the head,” said Brendan Brannen of Pasado's Safe Haven.

Firefighters entered the home after the homeowner cooperated with authorities, but they wore biohazard gear and could not open the front door all the way.

Neighbor Irene Anderson first alerted King County on Friday, July 31 about questionable conditions and a large number of animals at the home, McKenney said.

Anderson said she first filed a complaint four years ago and then again last week. Animal Control Officers then began collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and gathering a task force of government agencies to work cooperatively on the case.

Anderson described the scene, “Horrific, haunting, my worst nightmare. I've wondered what kind of condition the dogs would be in.”

No deceased animals were found.

Once investigators were in the home, they found it filthy with debris and items from floor to ceiling. They also detected a possible gas leak which led them to shut off gas and electricity, deeming the home uninhabitable.

Evidence collected at the scene may lead to an animal cruelty charge against the pet owner, McKenney said.

“This poor lady didn't mean to hurt the animals, she loves the animals. She just didn't love them in the right way,” Brannen said.

Pasado's Safe Haven is paying for the veterinary and long-term care of the dogs. You can find out more information about them at their Web site Pasadosafehaven.org.

Residents can call King County Animal Care and Control to file complaints of suspected animal cruelty or neglect at 206-296-7387 or by downloading and submitting the online complaint form here. For more information on pet regulations, visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/pets.