Supposedly the guy is mentally ill (no kidding? I mean, DUH!) and is currently being evaluated in a psychiatric facility. So, while maybe he was not capable of managing the situation, according to the news reports his parents and other family members have come to visit and stay with him in the house several times.

He kept the outside of the house and the yard neat and spotless and also did gardening and handyman jobs for neighbors. All doors and all windows were always kept shut, I assume to keep the stench from drifting too far and the neighbors unaware.

Whatever may be the "reasons" behind the situation, the dogs have suffered horrifically and all too many of them died in that hellhole. They all deserved much better.

Grace is right: the Dearborn Animal Shelter is doing phenomenal work caring for the survivors... especially considering that they already had more than a hundred cats and dogs at the shelter looking for homes. See http://www.dearborn-animals.com/ for more..