RICHMOND -- An Ettrick man charged with animal cruelty after authorities found 51 dogs inside his home considered the animals his family and had names for each, authorities said.

"He doesn't have children," said Chesterfield County Animal Control Officer Rob Leinberger. "To him, these pets were his family. And his family started getting bigger and bigger. ... He got overwhelmed."

The dogs, mostly small breeds and of various ages, were not malnourished or mistreated. But because of the sheer number of animals inside the house, they were living in unfit conditions, authorities said.

Consequently, the man was charged with animal cruelty and one count each of failing to vaccinate the dogs for rabies and not having current dog licenses.

Police are trying to work with the man and therefore would not immediately release his name, said Maj. Michael Spraker.

"We want to help him is the bottom line," Leinberger said.

Police and animal control officers responded to the home Tuesday to investigate a complaint about a foul odor coming from inside. After the occupant answered the door, authorities confirmed the source of the smell and observed a large number of dogs inside.

"These animals were family pets, each of them has a name," said Alice Berry, supervisor of Chesterfield's Animal Shelter. "He named them without hesitation."

After the man refused to surrender the animals, authorities told him they would have to confiscate them because of the conditions in the house.

The man then cooperated and helped officers remove the animals to trucks outside, Berry said.

All 51 dogs are being cared for at the county animal shelter. A veterinarian examined the animals and found them to be in "very, very good shape," Berry said.