Pennsylvania SPCA Animal Law Enforcement team executes search warrant at Lancaster County Property, Rescues 93 animals

The Pennsylvania SPCA’s Animal Law Enforcement team, with the assistance of the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department and the West Hempfield Township Police, executed a search warrant on Wednesday, April 22, removing 93 animals, including 76 dogs and puppies, 15 cats and kittens, and 2 Flemish rabbits from a residence on High Ridge Road in Columbia, Lancaster County, after receiving a tip from a concerned citizen about the animals’ living conditions.

The PSPCA’s team, responding to the tip, arrived at the property to detect a foul odor emanating from the exterior of the residence, which grew stronger upon approaching the front door and garage connected to the home.

Through a window of the residence, officers observed several dogs in distress, including a black Newfoundland-type dog with heavily matted fur, a Shih Tzu-type dog with matting throughout the body, several shepherd-type dogs, and a Chihuahua with significant hair loss. Officers also observed piles of excrement and pools of liquid throughout the interior of the residence.

A fenced-in porch area was coated with feces, and multiple dogs could be seen in crates in the garage living in feces-laden conditions. Those dogs included a mother German Shepherd and her puppies crammed into a crate.

Upon executing the search warrant, officers confirmed conditions were as severe as reported. Among the animals removed, many were covered in fecal matter and suffered from extreme matting, fur staining, hair loss on the face and body, and scabbing. Water provided was visibly contaminated with excrement. Some animals were found living in hutches, while others were confined to crates that had been zip-tied shut.

All 93 animals, including 76 dogs and puppies of various breeds, 15 cats and kittens, and 2 Flemish rabbits, were removed from the property. They were signed over to the Pennsylvania SPCA, and today will undergo forensic medical examinations. More information about their conditions and potential charges will be available pending those examinations.

Those charges may include knowingly, recklessly, or intentionally ill-treating an animal, failure to provide access to clean and sanitary shelter and lack of veterinary care.

“The conditions these animals were forced to endure were truly heartbreaking,” said Nicole Wilson, Director of Animal Law Enforcement and Shelter Operations at the Pennsylvania SPCA. “Ninety-three animals living in filth, without clean water, adequate shelter, or basic care – this is why our team works around the clock to respond to these calls. We are grateful to the Good Samaritan who spoke up, the officers from West Hempfield Township and Lancaster County Sheriff Deputies who were committed to the safe removal of all animals and we are committed to ensuring each of these animals receives the care they deserve.”

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

Anyone with information about this case, or other cases involving animal cruelty, is urged to call the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Cruelty Hotline at (866) 601-SPCA. Tips can be left anonymously.