Pennsylvania SPCA Animal Law Enforcement team rescues 39 animals from property of well-known breeder in Mifflinburg over concerns for lack of veterinary care

PSPCA’s large-scale rescue involved Great Danes, Mastiffs, French Bulldogs, goats and several cats after receiving referral from the Bureau of Dog Law

Philadelphia, PA (December 22, 2025) – The Pennsylvania SPCA’s Animal Law Enforcement team executed a search warrant on Thursday, December 18, removing 39 animals, including dogs, cats, and goats from the property of a breeder in Union County over concerns for their welfare.

The PSPCA’s team, responding to a tip from the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Dog Law, seized 16 Great Danes, 5 French Bulldogs, 4 English Mastiffs, 1 Bull Mastiff, 11 cats and 2 Nubian goats from the residence on Old Turnpike Road in Mifflinburg.

The investigation began after the Bureau of Dog Law, while inspecting the property, found many animals lacking veterinary care and suffering from untreated medical conditions.

According to their account, multiple canines were found to be underweight, included a canine with a lesion on the neck, a canine with a large mammary tumor, and several dogs with skin conditions. After alerting the PSPCA’s Animal Law Enforcement team to their concerns, the PSPCA secured a search warrant and executed it early Thursday morning.

Once on scene, officers confirmed the concerns were valid, with several dogs in thin to emaciated conditions, some suffering from open or untreated wounds, and still others suffering from skin conditions and ear infections.

All animals that were found to be subject to lack of veterinary care and untreated medical conditions were removed from the property. They were all signed over to the custody of the Pennsylvania SPCA and after undergoing forensic, medical and behavioral evaluations will be made available for adoption or placement with approved rescue organizations.

The execution of the search warrant took several hours, as the property housed nearly 90 dogs. Without a kennel license, individuals are only allowed to house 25 dogs in a given calendar year.

“When we receive a referral regarding conditions this severe, our team moves quickly to ensure the safety of the animals involved,” said Nicole Wilson, Director of Animal Law Enforcement at the Pennsylvania SPCA. “The sheer number of animals on this property, combined with the lack of proper veterinary care and the medical issues our officers observed, made it clear that immediate intervention was necessary. We are grateful that the animals are now safe in our care and receiving the treatment they need.

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.