17 Dogs, 2 Birds, Turtle Rescued By Pennsylvania SPCA, Group Says

PHILADELPHIA — Twenty animals, including dogs and birds, were rescued from a Schuylkill County home earlier this week, according to the Pennsylvania SPCA.

The Pennsylvania SPCA said its Animal Law Enforcement team rescued 17 dogs, 2 birds, and a turtle from a property in Coaldale, Schuylkill County on Monday over concerns for their welfare.

The PSPCA's officers, who had been contacted by the Pennsylvania State Police on behalf of Coaldale Borough Police regarding a number of dogs at the property in poor condition, seized 15 Great Pyrenees-type dogs, two collie-type dogs, a turtle, and two birds from the property on Bull Run Street in Coaldale.

The Coaldale Borough of Police received a tip from a Good Samaritan regarding dogs at the property in poor health, including seeing dogs in the yard with little hair and allegedly underweight.

Based on that provided information, a search warrant was received and executed on Monday afternoon.

During the execution of a search warrant, PSPCA officers found the dogs suffering from severe skin conditions, many with little or no hair on their bodies, officials said.

Additionally, several were suffering from open wounds, believed to be the result of sarcoptic mange, according to the PSCPA.

The dogs were of varying body conditions, including those that were very underweight, officials said.

The dogs, as well as all birds and a turtle in the home, were immediately removed from the property over concerns for lack of veterinary care and poor sanitation, according to the PSCPA.

The dogs, birds, and turtle, were brought to both the PSPCA's Philadelphia headquarters and Main Line Animal Rescue site to undergo forensic examinations and to be cared for by the organization’s medical teams.

All animals were surrendered to the Pennsylvania SPCA by the owner.

After medical examinations and treatment, the animals will be in search of fforever families.

"The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a Great Pyrenees is their beautiful, fluffy white coats," Julie Klim, CEO of the Pennsylvania SPCA, said. "But the dogs rescued yesterday are a stark contrast; instead of white fur, there was red, itchy, rough, bloody skin. This didn’t happen overnight, and sadly these animals have been suffering for some time. We take solace in the fact that they are safe now, and beginning their journey to learning how pets are meant to be treated."

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