The Pennsylvania SPCA rescued 78 cats and kittens from a home on Spencer Avenue in Lancaster Township on Tuesday after executing a search warrant that lasted hours. Police first alerted the SPCA to unsanitary conditionsLancaster Township police contacted the PSPCA earlier in the week after responding to the home for another call. Officers described the house as “extremely unsanitary,” noting it was full of feces and urine, with trash stacked from floor to ceiling. The cats were reportedly free-roaming inside. PSPCA officers and Lancaster Township police executed the search warrant Tuesday and said high ammonia levels from waste and extreme heat made the operation difficult. SPCA calls conditions among the worst they’ve seenThe rescued cats and kittens are now being treated and examined by the Pennsylvania SPCA in Philadelphia. Nicole Wilson, director of animal law enforcement and shelter operations, said the conditions in the home were among the most severe her team has ever encountered. “We are grateful to the Lancaster Township Police Department for their partnership in executing this warrant, and we are committed to ensuring all 78 cats and kittens receive the care they need and deserve,” Wilson said. Warrant cites animal ill treatment and unsanitary shelterThe warrant was served for ill treatment of animals and failure to provide access to clean and sanitary shelter. Of the rescued animals, 70 are currently with the SPCA, while eight are being held in protective custody. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the case to contact the Pennsylvania SPCA at (866) 601-SPCA or cruelty@pspca.org. Tips can be left anonymously.

The Pennsylvania SPCA rescued 78 cats and kittens from a home on Spencer Avenue in Lancaster Township on Tuesday after executing a search warrant that lasted hours.

Police first alerted the SPCA to unsanitary conditions

Lancaster Township police contacted the PSPCA earlier in the week after responding to the home for another call. Officers described the house as “extremely unsanitary,” noting it was full of feces and urine, with trash stacked from floor to ceiling. The cats were reportedly free-roaming inside.

PSPCA officers and Lancaster Township police executed the search warrant Tuesday and said high ammonia levels from waste and extreme heat made the operation difficult.

SPCA calls conditions among the worst they’ve seen

The rescued cats and kittens are now being treated and examined by the Pennsylvania SPCA in Philadelphia. Nicole Wilson, director of animal law enforcement and shelter operations, said the conditions in the home were among the most severe her team has ever encountered.

“We are grateful to the Lancaster Township Police Department for their partnership in executing this warrant, and we are committed to ensuring all 78 cats and kittens receive the care they need and deserve,” Wilson said.

Warrant cites animal ill treatment and unsanitary shelter

The warrant was served for ill treatment of animals and failure to provide access to clean and sanitary shelter. Of the rescued animals, 70 are currently with the SPCA, while eight are being held in protective custody.

Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the case to contact the Pennsylvania SPCA at (866) 601-SPCA or cruelty@pspca.org. Tips can be left anonymously.