Today, Pennsylvania SPCA Humane Law Enforcement Officers rescued four emaciated horses from unsanitary conditions at a vacant lot on the 3900 block of Ogden St. in West Philadelphia. The investigation was prompted by complaints about horses that appeared thin and in need of medical treatment being kept without food, water and adequate shelter.
On the scene, officers found the horses in a wet, muddy lot that was full of feces with no food, clean water or adequate shelter. All the animals were transported directly to the Pennsylvania SPCA for medical evaluation. They are in protective custody and are not available for adoption at this time. The investigation is ongoing and no charges have been filed at this time.
“Ownership of the horses is still under investigation at this time,” said Director of Law Enforcement George Bengal. “However, we are very pleased that we were able to secure a search warrant that allowed us to gain access to the horses and bring them to the shelter for medical evaluation and treatment.”
Since 1867, the Pennsylvania SPCA, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization headquartered in Philadelphia, has been dedicated to rescuing animals from abuse and neglect, providing lifesaving care and treatment, and reducing pet-overpopulation through low-cost spay-and-
neuter clinics and public awareness initiatives. Through these efforts, the Pennsylvania SPCA
prevents cruelty toward animals and promotes respect for their welfare, thus enhancing the lives of people and their companion animals throughout the state of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania SPCA operates adoption centers in Wellsboro, Centre Hall, Danville and Montrose, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia headquarters, located at 350 E. Erie Ave., houses a full-service animal hospital, obedience training academy, adoption facility, and the Pennsylvania SPCA Law Enforcement Department. Philadelphia’s Animal Care and Control Team (ACCT), powered by the Pennsylvania SPCA , is contracted by the city to perform animal control, as well as finding homes for Philadelphia's thousands of stray and surrendered animals via rescue, foster care, and adoption. For more information about adopting, donating or volunteering, please call 215.426.6300 or visit www.pspca.org.
