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Authorities rescued more than 60 dogs and two cats from a Pennsylvania home after finding them in squalid conditions
The animals are being treated for neglect and prepared for adoption by local shelters and rescue organizations, police said
Officials are investigating the home as an illegal kennel and fundraising for the animals’ medical care and supplies
Shelters and law enforcement officials have rescued more than 60 cats and dogs in Pennsylvania, after police said they were found in extremely poor living conditions.
Pennsylvania State Police told PEOPLE that an investigation into the incident began in April, when 39 dogs in Fayette County — located on the state’s Maryland and West Virginia borders — were surrendered to a shelter in “terrible” condition.
“During the intake process, it was determined that many of the dogs tested positive for various parasites,” police said. “After receiving the animals, the rescue organization became concerned about the conditions at the property and contacted a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper who serves as an Assistant Animal Cruelty Officer.”
By Wednesday, June 3, state troopers had executed a search warrant at a home in Belle Vernon, Penn., where they found 62 dogs and two cats living in squalor.
SWPA Humane Law Enforcement said in a statement that they were also called to the scene to assist, along with the ANNA (Association for Needy and Neglected Animals) shelter and Angels of Mercy, a local animal rescue agency.
“Multiple animals were removed from conditions of extreme neglect including one puppy in our custody is now receiving round-the-clock care at a local veterinarian,” officials wrote. “We are hoping he survives, but it will be very costly.”
Two dogs are seen at the scene.
Credit: ANNA Shelter/Facebook
The ANNA Shelter also shared in a Facebook post on Thursday, June 4 that when they arrived, they found a “desperate situation involving a large number of dogs that needed to be removed from a home immediately, as some were actively dying.”
The shelter added that its staff quickly triaged the animals, and they were all “started on a refeeding plan, watered, vaccinated, given appropriate parasite control and clean beds to finally rest in comfort.” The shelter’s veterinarian and techs were in the process of performing medical exams by Thursday, and groomers were working to bathe and groom the animals.
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According to the post, the shelter is working to make the dogs, as well as the two “sweet” female cats, available for adoption as soon as possible.
“The dogs range in age from three weeks to [about] eight years. They are a mix of lab/collie type dogs,” the shelter said. “Most are shy but friendly and a few are very fearful right now but with time will warm up just fine.”
“We will be spending the next week or so processing them and preparing them for adoption most likely in phases so watch for them to be available as soon as possible!” the post continued.
More pets are seen at the home.
Credit: ANNA Shelter/Facebook
Police told CBS Pittsburgh that no charges had been filed as of Thursday, but added that the process could take weeks because of the number of animals rescued and the severity of the case.
Investigators added to PEOPLE that the home is being considered an unlicensed kennel, as more than 26 dogs were reportedly housed on the property during the course of one year.
As for the pets, SWPA Humane Law Enforcement said it is fundraising to help with the ill puppy’s treatment, and ANNA is requesting donations of Purina Dog and Puppy Chow, canned dog food, 39-gallon or contractor’s-sized trash bags, gift cards to stores such as Walmart, Amazon or Tractor Supply Co. — as well as well-wishes for the dogs.
“For now, send your love, prayers, healing vibes and best wishes to these guys!” the shelter wrote. “They feel it and we do too!”
Read the original article on People