93 animals living in ‘deplorable conditions’ rescued from Pennsylvania home

76 dogs, 15 cats and kittens, and two Flemish rabbits were removed from a residence in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, after officials said they were found living in deplorable conditions.

Pennsylvania SPCA shared that their law enforcement team had responded to a home on High Ride Road in Columbia, after receiving a tip from concerned citizens.

When officers arrived at the property, officials said they detected a foul odor coming from the outside of the residence, which grew stronger as they approached the front door and the garage connected to the home.

Through a window of the residence, officials said officers saw 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 found 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 were also seen in crates in the garage, living in feces-laden conditions, officials shared. Those dogs included a mother German Shepherd and her puppies were found crammed into a crate.

Pennsylvania SPCA

Pennsylvania SPCA

After executing a search warrant, officials said officers were able to confirm the severity of the animal’s conditions and they began removing the animals.

Among the animals removed, officials said many were covered in fecal matter and suffered from extreme matting, fur staining, hair loss on the face and body, and scabbing. Some animals were even found living in hutches, while others were confined to crates zip-tied shut.

After all 93 animals were removed from the property, officials said they were turned over to the Pennsylvania SPCA and are now undergoing forensic medical examinations.

Pennsylvania SPCA

Pennsylvania SPCA

Pennsylvania SPCA

Pennsylvania SPCA

Officials said more information about their conditions and potential charges will be provided following those examinations. The charges could 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.”

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 also be left anonymously.