Deputies from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station arrested two men in the northwest Los Angeles County community of Neenach on felony weapons and animal cruelty charges, according to station officials.

Here’s the story from the station’s social media:

“On Thursday, Nov. 29, Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station detectives traveled to the Neenach area to serve a search warrant.

“The investigation, spearheaded by a Gorman deputy, involved a suspect who allegedly made serious criminal threats against employees at a utility company.

“When detectives arrived at the suspect’s residence, they found a dozen small-breed dogs housed in ‘deplorable’ conditions without adequate care.

“Deputies found a box of Cheerios cereal that they readily poured on the floor to feed the famished pups.

“Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control was contacted, and officers responded in hazmat suits to take possession of the dogs.

“Deputies seized 22 firearms from the home that reportedly belonged to the suspect’s uncle who lived at the home. One of the firearms was an unregistered assault rifle.

“Detectives arrested the 43-year-old male on criminal threats and felon in possession of ammunition charges, both felonies.

“His 63-year-old uncle was arrested on felony weapons charges.

“Both men were transported and booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station jail.

“Los Angeles Animal Care and Control is handling and conducting an animal cruelty investigation.”