"It's been so hard, it's been so hard. My life is over. My life's destroyed," cried the Rev. Louis Ashley after Dona Ana County law enforcement took action to disassemble his makeshift animal shelter.

Over the past 15 years, Ashley has sheltered more than 100 stray animals.

"I have no funding. It's all me, my salary, everything I've gotten. All my savings have gone into it," said Ashley.

"We believe this is a good-intentioned person who wanted to help animals. It just got out of control," said the Jess Williams, the public information officer for the Dona Ana County Sheriff's Department.

Dona Ana County's Animal Control officers and the sheriff's department took over the Chaparral property Tuesday morning. County ordinance only allows for six pets and some livestock.

Dozens of dogs were removed from their kennels and placed in pickup trucks. Several truckloads left the premises, but not before the dogs were examined.

Animal experts evaluated and vaccinated every animal. They will be taken to various shelters regardless of whether they're old, sick, or aggressive. It'll be up to the receiving shelter to determine if it'll euthanize the animals or put them up for adoption.

"Most of the dogs are in good condition. They seem to be personable animals. We've had 50-plus cats found on the property that have tested positive for feline leukemia, and they will be destroyed," said Williams.

Officials said they've had good response from regional shelters. Some of the ones taking in the animals are Dona Ana's Humane Society, Pheonix Humane Society, and Dumb Friends League of Denver.

Officers also had handle cages full of birds. In addition, the property had a large pigeon population, many which stood watch from a rooftop. Officials said the pigeons are a health hazard and will be destroyed. Other types of birds will be saved.

Ashley was asked to stay out of his home while the removal process continued. It's a move he said he's finding hard to take. "I'll probably heal, but it's going to take me a long time to get over this. This insult to my character and who I am," said Ashley.

The livestock found in the home includes 11 geese, eight ducks, four horses, two goats, two mules, two peacocks and a sheep. The animals will either be put up for adoption or auctioned off.

Ashley has been allowed to keep five dogs, one cat, and the four horses.

He will not face criminal charges as long as he obeys county ordinance.

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