JANESVILLE, Wis. -- The Rock County Humane Society is housing 44 Siberian huskies after the dogs were seized from a home just outside of Janesville Tuesday.

The animals were found after an anonymous tip in the case of a couple now facing three counts of animal abuse.

Michelle and Jerry Talley told officers they were running a rescue operation for huskies -- but the Humane Society said it is actually doing the rescue work.

"The day has been incredible," said Chris Konetski, the Humane Society's executive director. "Busy all day long."

It was so busy that the Rock County Humane Society was closed all day, with every staff member and volunteer tending to the incoming huskies.

"Unfortunately these animals were living in filth and feces and urine," said Konetski. "And the whole shebang got to be a crusted mess."

"It's kind of like dreadlocks," said Humane Society supervisor Jim Hurley, describing the dogs' fur coats. "It's so caked in with the urine and the feces, that you got to cut all this off."

Half of the huskies had to be completely sheared down. The rest needed extensive bathing and combing, the Humane Society said.

"We're putting them through hell, literally, trying to get that dirty matted coat off," Konetski said. "And they're staying very gentle-natured about it. They're licking our hands and licking our cheek every now and then. Very sweet animals for the most part, very surprising."

But there's barely any room for the huskies. The Humane Society had only seven open dog cages. With a little shuffling, every dog had a place to sleep Tuesday night. But workers hope the public can help with the rescue effort.

"It was appalling to see these animals -- and heartbreaking, especially when they're licking your hand and they're so grateful for the little bit of care," Konetski said. "How people can do that to animals I will never understand."

A rescue operation from Illinois picked up 18 of the huskies. They will be placed in foster homes. The Humane Society hopes to put the rest up for adoption.

Michelle and Jerry Talley will be in court next month for an initial appearance.