Philadelphia, PA (July 30, 2020) – The Pennsylvania SPCA executed a search warrant, rescuing a total of 30 animals, from a property in Northampton County on Wednesday, July 29, over concerns for the welfare of animals.
The Pennsylvania SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Officers, working alongside the bureau of Dog Law, removed 23 dogs, including Chihuahua and pitbull type dogs, and 7 cats from the property in Easton due to concerns for the unsanitary conditions of the home, which the animals were all found to be living inside.
The Pennsylvania SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement team executed the search warrant Wednesday afternoon. Upon arrival at the property, eight dogs were visible through the open windows and the odor of dog waste was apparent. Once inside, officers found a large number of dogs running loose, while some remained inside crates. Trash, dog waste and urine was noted throughout the property, and the heat index inside was well above 100 degrees.
In addition to the unsanitary conditions, the medical conditions of some animals on the property were of concern including hair loss, overgrown nails and thin body conditions.
All animals from the property were removed and taken to the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Philadelphia headquarters to receive further diagnostics and treatment by the organization’s Animal Hospital Staff.
Nearly all of the animals were surrendered to the Pennsylvania SPCA, with the exception of 3 adult dogs and 3 puppies. The animals not signed over will remain in the care of the organization until they are surrendered by the owner or through the courts.
The animals surrendered, once medically stable, will soon be in search of new, loving homes.
“This case highlights our continued dedication to saving animals even through the worst of working conditions. The officers spent hours inside this home with a heat index over 107 degrees with high levels of ammonia,” said Nicole Wilson, Director of Humane Law Enforcement at the Pennsylvania SPCA.
The investigation 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.
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.