MONROE COUNTY, Pa. (WOLF) — The Pennsylvania SPCA rescued more than 170 dogs from a home on Friday.
The PSPCA was called to the home under the PA Bureau of Dog Law after an individual in the home passed away.
The initial number of animals recovered was 70, but more searches led officials to locate a total of 170 dogs. There were so many dogs in the home that they had to make a second trip on Saturday. Many of the dogs were Jack Russell Terrier mixes, including adults and puppies.
In addition to the dogs, officials found:
- 12 cats
- 4 rabbits
- 2 guinea pigs
- 2 chickens
- 2 peacocks
- 3 finches
- 1 dove
- 1 parakeet
All of the animals were surrendered to the PSPCA and transported to a variety of sites in Lancaster, Philadelphia and Chester Counties.
Before being made available for adoption, the animals are set to undergo a forensic examination to determine and collect evidence of alleged animal cruelty or neglect, as per the investigation. The shelters that have taken in the rescued animals were already at full capacity.
"While no harm may have been intended in this case, the owners of the animals rescued were clearly overwhelmed," said Julie Klim, CEO of the Pennsylvania SPCA, in a news release. "Though the circumstances of this rescue were tragic in nature, we are grateful that these animals were safely removed from their poor living conditions. We encourage anyone looking to adopt a small dog to consider adopting one of these or any of those currently in our shelters.
The investigation into animal cruelty and neglect is ongoing, and charges are currently pending.
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