Pierce County authorities have seized 39 horses "living in deplorable conditions" from a property in Graham, the Pierce County Sheriff's Office said.

Animal Control officers serving a search warrant found the horses -- many with medical problems, some very thin and some suffering injuries -- on the property in the 30800 block of Meridian East.

"Most of the horses were in barns that had large amounts of urine and feces in the stalls as well as the aisle ways.  Some of the barns had no lighting or ventilation and the smell of ammonia was very strong," the sheriff's office said in a news release.

"This is the largest seizure of horses that Pierce County Animal Control has ever undertaken,” said Julie Anderson, Pierce County Auditor. “Horses are expensive animals to seize and provide care for.”

The number of animals seized and their prior living conditions make this operation particularly challenging. “Many of the horses appeared to have been kept in conditions with no sunlight or ventilation and are very scared,” Anderson said.

“We were able to get everything put together very quickly to have the animals removed and receive the proper care they need.” Brian Boman, Pierce County Animal Control supervisor.

While this is an ongoing investigation; the animal owners could face charges of animal cruelty in the second degree, a gross misdemeanor in the state of Washington.

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Kevin McCarty is covering the story for KIRO 7 Eyewitness News at 5.