Daren Martinez/KTVB

One of 15 wolves rescued from a property in Owyhee County Wednesday.

BOISE - Police and animal agencies are on the scene of a property near Melba – after a case of animal hoarding was discovered in Owyhee County.

Nineteen wolves, seventeen bobcats, more than 60 house cats and numerous dogs were living in deplorable conditions on property owned by Sandy Knox.

Police say a wolf escaped from the woman’s property last November – touching off a search effort the escaped animal.

Now authorities have made a deal with Knox to remove most of the animals – all but two wolves and two bobcats are in the process of being taken to a temporary shelter. Authorities have been working for quite some time to bring closure to the case.

The Idaho Humane Society, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Owyhee County Sheriff, the Department of Agriculture and the Winchester, Idaho Wolf Center are helping with the case.

Because of the deal authorities made with the woman – she will not face charges.

The wolves were being kept in cages on the property, which can be detrimental both mentally and physically – since the animals naturally roam free.  They were underfed – as the woman was only able to throw scraps from a distance.

Authorities hope to have all the animals removed by the end of the day, and are being evaluated at a clinic set up at the Murphy-Reynolds-Wilson Fire District building.  The wolves will be transported to the Winchester Wolf Center in North Idaho and to a sanctuary in Florida.

Owyhee County Sheriff Gary Aman says the woman has owned the animals for about 14 years but can no longer care for them because of declining health. Under a deal worked out by authorities, the woman will not face charges.

The bobcats will be transported to the Idaho Humane Society facility in Boise. 

The destination of the other animals – including the cats and dogs has not been decided.

-With Monique James in Owyhee County; The Associated Press contributed to this story

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