Philadelphia, PA (October 24, 2019) – The Pennsylvania SPCA executed a search warrant, rescuing a total of 98 animals, from a self-proclaimed rescue organization in Lebanon County Wednesday, October 23, over concerns for the welfare of animals.
The Pennsylvania SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Officers, acting on a tip from a Good Samaritan, removed 83 cats & kittens and 10 dogs from the property in Jonestown due to concerns for the unsanitary conditions of the property and the untreated medical conditions of the animals. The team discovered 5 deceased cats lying in an enclosure with a majority of the rescued cats. However, one set of remains could not be removed as it had been decomposed in the area to the point of adhering to the structure.
The Pennsylvania SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement and Forensic Veterinary team assisted by Lebanon County Detectives, executed the search warrant Wednesday afternoon, and were still removing animals into the late evening hours.
Many of the cats rescued were suffering from both respiratory infections and untreated eye conditions. Many of the dogs were in very thin condition. A majority of the animals were living in kennels or enclosures with feces and urine which had been allowed to accumulate for days.
All animals from the property were brought to the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Philadelphia headquarters to receive further diagnostics and treatment by the organization’s Shelter Hospital Staff. All of the animals were surrendered to the Pennsylvania SPCA and are expected to be available for adoption as they receive necessary treatment and are on the road to recovery.
“The Pennsylvania SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement team removed nearly 100 animals from a supposed rescue on Wednesday,” said Nicole Wilson, Director of Humane Law Enforcement at the PSPCA. “Unfortunately this type of case is not unique to us. The desire to help is admirable but this case highlights the importance of knowing your own limitations in order to prevent yourself from becoming the perpetrator of suffering.”
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.