Yesterday, November 9, 2009, Pennsylvania SPCA Humane Law Enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a house on the 1300 block of S. 29th St. Twelve dogs, four cats and one turtle were rescued, and charges against the owner are pending based on the results of the animals’ medical evaluations.

The agents were alerted to the situation when a complainant called the Pennsylvania SPCA’s 24-hour cruelty hotline and reported that two dogs had been fighting, appeared badly injured, and had been left on the porch of the home without receiving veterinary care. Officers investigated and were able to secure a warrant because of the injuries seen on the two dogs.

Inside the home, officers found animals in various rooms living in unsanitary conditions. All the animals were taken directly to the Pennsylvania SPCA for medical evaluation. The owner of the property did not surrender the animals at the time he was charged. They are in protective custody and are not available for adoption at this time.

Since 1867, the Pennsylvania SPCA, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization headquartered in Philadelphia, has been dedicated to rescuing animals from abuse and neglect, providing lifesaving care and treatment, and reducing pet-overpopulation through low-cost spay-and-neuter clinics and public awareness initiatives. Through these efforts, the Pennsylvania SPCA
prevents cruelty toward animals and promotes respect for their welfare, thus enhancing the lives of people and their companion animals throughout the state of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania SPCA operates adoption centers in Wellsboro, Centre Hall, Danville and Montrose, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia headquarters, located at 350 E. Erie Ave., houses a full-service animal hospital, obedience training academy, adoption facility, and the Pennsylvania SPCA Law Enforcement Department. Philadelphia’s Animal Care and Control Team (ACCT), powered by the Pennsylvania SPCA , is contracted by the city to perform animal control, as well as finding homes for Philadelphia's thousands of stray and surrendered animals via rescue, foster care, and adoption. For more information about adopting, donating or volunteering, please call 215.426.6300 or visit www.pspca.org.