A San Bruno woman was charged with three counts of misdemeanor animal neglect after a welfare check turned up 19 shi tzu dogs in a foul-smelling residence with varied health conditions which required two of the dogs to be euthanized, according to prosecutors.

On March 14, San Bruno police discovered the dogs living in the home of Carol Giani, 71, after the property manager noticed a foul smell later linked to urine-soaked carpets and flooring, said Peninsula Humane Society spokesman Scott Delucchi.

PHS seized the dogs which were in varied states of disarray including matted hair, rotten teeth, severe skin irritations and tumors.

One dog had a tumor the size of a grapefruit, Delucchi said.

Giani agreed that two dogs should be euthanized and voluntarily surrendered two others. Another dog died a few days later and Giani contested the seizure of the remaining animals.  

A number of the dogs are elderly or have special needs but PHS hopes to adopt out some of the others either directly or through rescue groups, Delucchi said.

Prosecutors charged Giani with one count of animal neglect for each of the two dogs euthanized and another count encapsulating the welfare of the remaining animals.

Giani is scheduled for arraignment May 6 and remains free from custody on her own recognizance.

While the court case is in its infancy, Delucchi said a plea deal may be reached in which Giani is able to take back a more manageable number of her pets.

A previous welfare check on Giani turned up seven dogs but all were in good condition, said Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.

Giani’s is the second criminal animal case announced by the District Attorney’s Office this week. As reported in the Daily Journal Tuesday, a Daly City couple were charged with misdemeanor animal neglect after their 10-year-old German shepherd was discovered with sores and other health problems. The dog was euthanized.

Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 102.