Stoltzfus pleads guilty to five misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty
Philadelphia, PA (February 26, 2021) – The Pennsylvania SPCA announces that Ammon Stoltzfus, of Honey Brook, has pleaded guilty to five misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty stemming from the deaths of several dogs on his property.
In an attempt to kill the dogs, who had Brucellosis, Stoltzfus injected five dogs, including a 4-month-old puppy, with Epsom Salts and subsequently shot them when that proved ineffective.
In pleading guilty, Stoltzfus will be on probation for 10 years and will be prohibited from owning animals during that time period. The Pennsylvania SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement team will have unannounced inspection rights during those 10 years.
On Thursday, the PSPCA’s team was onsite to remove the remaining dogs from Stoltzfus’ property which included a Shih Tzu, two Yorkshire Terriers, a miniature poodle and a Yorkipoo. The dogs were brought to the Pennsylvania SPCA’s headquarters in Philadelphia where they will undergo medical examinations and begin their search for new homes. (Images of dogs attached)
In May of 2019, the PSPCA’s Officers were contacted by the Bureau of Dog Law regarding the incident involving Epsom Salt on Stoltzfus’ Honey Brook property. Upon inspection, two deceased dogs were recovered from the property, with Stoltzfus claiming three others had been disposed of in a swamp.
Officers returned to the property a month later to seize three dogs over concerns of lack of veterinary care. Charges from this separate incident were included in the plea deal.
“While we can never take back the pain and suffering these dogs endured, we can provide the justice they deserve and additionally ensure that no other animal be harmed by Stoltzfus’ hand,” said Nicole Wilson, Director of Humane Law Enforcement. “We can assure you that we take our inspection rights very seriously.”
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.
