A dozen starving dogs were rescued from an abandoned home in Paterson Tuesday afternoon.

Paterson Animal Control Officer John DeCando said the dogs were found in a home on 17th Avenue. DeCando said a neighbor called authorities after hearing the dogs barking.

“They weren’t barking when they saw us. They were crying for help,” DeCando said.

DeCando said the 12 dogs, all poodle mixes, were found inside four cages. He said they were malnourished and severely matted. The dogs did not have food or water.

The dogs were taken to the Ramapo Bergen Animal Refuge in Oakland, where they will be cleaned up and treated.

“They’re really craving attention,” said Ramapo Bergen Animal Refuge Executive Director Megan Brinster. “They’re looking for affection and love from people.”

Animal control officials said they will work to identify the owner of the home and the owner of the dogs and seek to file animal cruelty charges against them.

The shelter is taking donations to help care for the dogs. Anyone who would like to help can visit the shelter's website.