A Brentwood woman who thought she was picking up a Chihuahua she had purchased instead found herself at the center of an animal welfare investigation after police were called to a Manorhaven storefront. Authorities say more than 20 dogs were being kept there in poor conditions.

Margaret Ragusa said she had been searching for a dog for a long time and traveled from Brentwood to a Shore Road location in Manorhaven to pick up the Chihuahua.

According to Ragusa, an employee met her at the storefront to hand over the puppy. But after opening the door, the employee allegedly discovered dogs living in deplorable conditions and immediately contacted police.

“She called the cops,” Ragusa said. “Then next thing I know, I said, ‘Is there any chance I can get the dog? I came all the way down from Brentwood to get the dog.’ And they said, ‘Oh no, no animal’s leaving here.’”

Nassau County police said they recovered 21 dogs that appeared to be in various stages of neglect.

“They were in cages, no water, no food, in feces,” said North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena.

DeSena said the dogs have since been removed and are being cared for at the town animal shelter. While no charges have been filed in connection with the alleged neglect, officials say an investigation is underway to determine how the animals ended up in those conditions.

Selma Kazil, who operates the boarding and rescue organization connected to the dogs, denied wrongdoing.

“I am not Cruella DeVille,” Kazil said. “That’s what I look like right now.”

Kazil said she was out of state and had left the dogs in the care of employees. She said the animals had been moved to the Manorhaven property after being forced out of another location. Town officials said some of the recovered dogs were being boarded for owners.

Despite the circumstances, Ragusa said she still hopes to adopt the Chihuahua she says she purchased for more than $500.

“Yes, I definitely want the dog,” she said.

The Manorhaven investigation comes as Kazil faces separate charges in Pennsylvania after authorities there allegedly found 45 animals inside a U-Haul truck.