Authorities on Wednesday rescued 30 animals from a Glendon home where the temperature inside reached well over 100 degrees, according to the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
The SPCA’s humane law enforcement officers were called to a property on Rock Road over concerns about the welfare of animals living there. The SPCA would not release more information on a more specific location of the home or its residents, and the search warrant executed there was not available for inspection Thursday.
The investigation remains open and charges against the owners are pending, authorities say.
Inside the residence, SPCA enforcement officers found 23 dogs, including Chihuahuas and a pit bull, as well as seven cats. When the team arrived at the home, eight dogs were visible through open windows and the smell of dog waste was unmistakable, authorities said.
A large number of the dogs were running loose in the home, but some were housed inside crates. There was trash, dog waste and urine throughout the property, and authorities say the heat index inside was more then 107 degrees.
The animals were living in filthy conditions, authorities say, and some appeared to be suffering from medical conditions, including hair loss, overgrown nails and undernourishment. All of the animals were removed and taken to the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Philadelphia headquarters to receive further treatment. Aside from three adult dogs and three puppies, all the animals were surrendered to the SPCA, authorities said. The six pets not surrendered will remain in the SPCA’s care until they are surrendered by the owners or the court mandates their release to the agency.
Once the surrendered animals are deemed healthy, they’ll be eligible for adoption.
“This case highlights our continued dedication to saving animals even through the worst of working conditions. The officers spent hours inside this home with a heat index over 107 degrees with high levels of ammonia,” said Nicole Wilson, director of Humane Law Enforcement at the Pennsylvania SPCA in a news release.
Anyone with information about the case or others involving animal cruelty is urged to call the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Cruelty Hotline at (866) 601-SPCA. Tips can be left anonymously.
Morning Call reporter Sarah M. Wojcik can be reached at 610-778-2283 or swojcik@mcall.com.
