20 children and 25 dogs removed from 'uninhabitable' California home

Children and Family Services removed 20 children, aged from two months to 17 years old, from a house in Victorville, California due to "serious health and safety issues". Animal Services also attended the house, removing 25 dogs, including two dead puppies.

According to reports the home was affected by black mould, there was not enough food, no electricity or gas, inadequate sleeping conditions, and the dogs did not have any access to water.

Five women, all from Victorville, were arrested after police were called by Children and Family Services officers, the LA Times reported.

Matosha Martinez, 35, and Virginia Mann, 61, were arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance and child cruelty.

Cherish Lewis, 22, Dajanet Smith, 25, and Thereca Griffin, 42, were arrested on suspicion of child cruelty.

The women are the children's grandmother and her four daughters, ABC7 reported.

According to neighbours, authorities had been aware of the situation at the house for some time.

In August a five-year-old girl from the home broke her left leg after she was struck by a car attempting to cross the street with her uncle.

"I thank God something finally came down and a solution to this problem on this corner has taken place. I'm sure everyone in this neighborhood is going to be happy, too," one neighbour said.