Animal Cruelty Charges Pending After 170+ Dogs Rescued From PA Home: PSPCA

MONROE COUNTY, PA — Animal welfare workers rescued more than 170 dogs and puppies, as well as cats, small animals, and birds from a Monroe County home on Friday, said the Pennsylvania SPCA.

The rescue team got an initial report of 70 animals at the home in Effort (Chestnuthill Twp.) but realized there were many more after they arrived and had to make it a two-day operation, said the PSPCA. In total, teams rescued 202 animals.

"Every time we thought we had located all the dogs, we'd find a room full of more," the PSPCA said.

The animals will be examined for any cruelty or neglect, and then be made available for adoption, according to the animal welfare organization.

"The PSPCA's team was called to the property by the PA Bureau of Dog Law after an individual in the home passed away," explained the Pennsylvania SPCA in a news release.

"When the Coroner's office responded, they found a large number of dogs at the property and were concerned with the unsanitary living conditions, possible lack of veterinary care and sheer number of animals."

The dogs were described as Jack Russell Terrier mixes. The animals also included 12 cats, four rabbits, three finches, two chickens, two peacocks, two guinea pigs, one parakeet, and one dove according to animal welfare advocates.

Pennsylvania SPCA officials ask anyone with information on this case, or other animal cruelty cases in the state, to call the Pennsylvania SPCA's Cruelty Hotline at (866) 601-SPCA. Tips can be left anonymously.

"The investigation into animal cruelty and neglect is ongoing, and charges are pending the conclusion of the full investigation," said the PSPCA.

The Pennsylvania SPCA took custody of the animals and transported them to various SPCA sites in Lancaster, Philadelphia and Chester counties where a veterinarian will examine them. As of Monday, dogs are becoming available for adoption at the PSPCA's Philadelphia facility, PSPCA Lancaster Center, and affiliate site Main Line Animal Rescue.

The headquarters in Philadelphia is at capacity, and seeking adopters for the dogs and many others.

"While no harm may have been intended in this case, the owners of the animals rescued were clearly overwhelmed," said Julie Klim, CEO of the Pennsylvania SPCA. "Though the circumstances of this rescue were tragic in nature, we are grateful that these animals were safely removed from their poor living conditions. We encourage anyone looking to adopt a small dog to consider adopting one of these or any of those currently in our shelters."