270 Animal Neglect-Related Charges Filed Against Delco Man

SHARON HILL, PA — A Delaware County man has been charged with 270 counts of various animal neglect-related crimes after authorities said he neglected dozes of cats in his home.

Casey E. Bonnell, 33, of Sharon Hill, was charged with six counts of felony aggravated cruelty to animals causing serious bodily injury or death, and 67 counts each of neglecting to provide shelter, neglecting to provide food and water, and neglecting to provide vet care. Sixty-seven counts of failing to provide rabies vaccinations were also filed.

Darby Township Police contacted the Brandywine Valley SPCA about conditions at Bonnell's home.

SPCA officers went to the home and found the cats living in dirty and unsanitary conditions, the SPCA said.

"Animals should not be left like that," Sara Smith, Senior Director of Marketing of the Brandywine Valley SPCA told Patch. "They did not have food or water."

Officers first removed the more serious cases of neglect from the home, such as cats that needed immediate medical attention and kittens and their mothers.

The officers went back a few times to recover the rest of the cats.

While many have survived and are doing well now, some were found dead and others had to be euthanized after being rescued, Smith said.

The rescued cats were found with matting and malnourishment, especially kittens and their mothers, were unvaccinated, and unspayed and not neutered.

Some had to have eyes removed due to untreated infections, she said.

Bonnell was released after posting 10 percent of $50,000 bail and is scheduled for a Nov. 18 preliminary hearing, court records show.

Despite their situation, Smith said many of the cats are very friendly and some are already up for adoption.

"We're very hopeful about their futures," she said. "They show how resilient animals can be by coming out of that situation and still being friendly."

For pet owners who may find themselves in over their heads, the Brandywine Valley SPCA offers a slew of resourced and services, such as spaying and neutering, low cost animal healthcare, free vaccination clinics, a free pet food pantry, kitty litter, and grant funding for medical care.

The Brandywine Valley SPCA this weekend is also waiving adoption feeds for certain animals in their care.

Learn more about the Brandywine Valley SPCA online here.