Philadelphia, PA (June 21, 2021) – The Pennsylvania SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement team returned to the property of serial animal abuser Daniel Esh on Friday, June 4, removing a total of 13 dogs. Due to Esh being found guilty of previous animal cruelty charges brought against him, not only was he prohibited from owning animals, the PSPCA was also granted unannounced inspection rights of the property.
When officers went to the property on June 4, they found numerous dogs, including Poodle, Havanese and German Shepherd-type dogs. Several of the dogs were found to have matting of their fur and other medical concerns including ear infections, overgrown nails, conjunctivitis, severe dental disease and inflammation of the skin of the paw.
The inspection, and subsequent removal of dogs from the property, has resulted in additional animal cruelty charges against three members of the Esh family.
Daniel Esh is facing 8 summary charges for lack of veterinary care, 2 summary charges for the reckless illtreatment of animals and 3 summary charges for lack of potable water.
Omar Esh is being cited for 7 summary counts of lack of veterinary care, 3 summary counts of lack of potable water and 1 summary count of reckless illtreatment of animals.
Verna Esh is facing 1 summary count of animal cruelty for lack of veterinary care.
The 13 dogs were removed from the property and brought to the PSPCA’s Philadelphia headquarters, where they received medical evaluations. All animals were surrendered to the Pennsylvania SPCA and nearly all have found forever families.
“Unfortunately, a case like this is not out of the ordinary in the work we do,” said Nicole Wilson, Director of Humane Law Enforcement & Shelter Operations at the Pennsylvania SPCA. “While offenders of animal cruelty may feel a sense of comfort after sentencing to return to their previous practices, we take inspection rights very seriously.”
“While we are saddened to find the Esh family’s continuing disregard for the law and the animals in their care, we are not surprised,” said Julie Klim, PSPCA CEO. “ The Esh family has a long history of animal abuse, it is our desire to finally, and once and for all, put an end to that.”
The investigation into animal cruelty and neglect is ongoing.
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.
About the Pennsylvania SPCA
Since 1867, the Pennsylvania SPCA, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization headquartered at 350 East Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, has been dedicated to preventing animal cruelty and rescuing animals from abuse and neglect. The Pennsylvania SPCA's lifesaving programs for animals include a low-cost veterinary clinic, low-cost spay and neuter services, pet adoption facilities, and the Pennsylvania SPCA Humane Law Enforcement Department. For more information about adopting, donating or volunteering, please call (215) 426.6300 or visit www.pspca.org.
