CANTON, Conn. -- One person may be responsible for the abandonment of 11 dogs in Canton and Barkhamsted this month, authorities said.

Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Eric Parker reported the battered dogs began appearing on March 11. Three terrier mixes were found in Canton, one was found in North Canton and six Yorkies turned up in People's State Forest in Barkhamsted.

Video: Two Abandoned Dogs Up For Adoption

On Friday, Barkhamsted Animal Control found another Yorkie abandoned, making a total of 11 abandoned dogs in just 2½ weeks.

"I feel very upset. I think people should take responsibility for their animals," said Elyti Gunther, of Pleasant Valley. "Unfortunately, there are too many people who are in that category and we need to keep a watchful eye for people like this."

Animal control officers said all the dogs were in rough shape. Nine of the dogs have new homes and two have yet to be adopted.

Officials said the animals found in the state forest and in the other locations may have once belonged to a breeder or puppy mill. Officials said the owner may be ditching the animals as the breeding operation folds.

An owner of a rescue dog herself, Gunther said she'll be extra vigilant to watch for signs of trouble.

"I will tell all my friends and my neighbors and do whatever I can," Gunther said.

Animal control officers said the person who dumped the 11 dogs could face serious criminal charges.

If you have information regarding this investigation, or would like to adopt the remaining dogs, contact Canton Animal Control Officer Beverly LaPlume by e-mail blaplume@town.avon.ct.us, or by phone by dialing 860-409-4205.