RSPCA officers, accompanied by Queensland police officers, have seized 120 dogs and 250 rats from a North Queensland property in what is believed to be the largest such seizure in the state.
It took nearly 12 hours to load the animals seized in the raid on a home near Calcium, 50km south of Townsville, on Thursday, police said.
Senior Sergeant John Bosnjak of Stuart police told the Townsville Bulletin that police attended the raid to make sure the scene was safe.
"The scene was overwhelming and I can't explain the stench," he said.
"It was a sight to be seen.
"Every room was filled with animals and they were in the beds and everywhere."
The animals were owned by a couple aged in their 40s, Snr Sgt Bosnjak said.
Some dogs in a healthy condition, and a number of rats, were reportedly allowed to remain at the property.
The RSPCA declined to comment while investigations were continuing.