John and Heidi Frasca, the Buxton residents whose dog kennel was raided on Aug. 21, have filed a lawsuit in federal court, alleging a statewide conspiracy to steal their animals.

About 250 dogs were seized during the largest raid at an animal-breeding facility in state history. State officials have reported that many of the dogs suffered from a variety of ailments related to poor hygiene and medical care. At the time of the raid, police issued 14 summonses to the Frascas related to operating an unlicensed kennel, and three more regarding animal cruelty and failure to provide animals with medical treatment.

The Frascas filed the lawsuit without the help of an attorney at U.S. District Court in Portland. It claims the taking of their animals violated their constitutional rights, and it alleges that the defendants should be held liable for conspiracy and racketeering.

The list of nearly 50 defendants includes Gov. John Baldacci, Attorney General Steven Rowe, York County District Attorney Mark Lawrence, as well as several state and local officials, multiple animal welfare groups and private individuals. The Frascas seek return of their dogs, and $900 million in damages.