Thirty cats and five dogs living in “deplorable conditions” at a West Deer home were rescued, according to a local animal shelter that is caring for them.
Authorities responding to a complaint from a resident Friday said there was a “pungent odor emanating from the house” and obtained a warrant to search the property, according to Suaz Forsythe, a spokeswoman for the Animal Friends shelter in Ohio Township.
The home is near the intersection of Bakerstown Culmerville Road and Stewart Street, officials said.
A neighbor who declined to be identified said he complained to authorities in the past about the debris strewn around the property and the strong smell from the house, which he described as overwhelming during hot summer days.
Angie Fry, a humane society police officer, said the house was infested with fleas, and the animals had no water, according to Tribune-Review news partners WPXI-TV.
“Just deplorable conditions. Very unsanitary,” Fry told WPXI.
Long day for these sweet guys and girls. Rescued from a filthy home in West Deer Township. 30 cats and 5 dogs so far (more to come). Owner will be facing countless charges @WPXI pic.twitter.com/PS7qb1Qu9a
— Amy Hudak (@amy_hudak) December 14, 2019
The rescued animals are being evaluated at Animal Friends, which is caring for them until they can be adopted, Forsythe said.
Friday’s rescue is the latest in a series of hoarding incidents that have come to light in the past six months, according to shelter officials.
On June 17, 31 cats were rescued from a home in Turtle Creek. A home in Ross was condemned after humane officers rescued 117 dogs in September.
Last month, 29 dogs were rescued from a home in Wilkinsburg, and another 20 were rescued from other locations, according to Forsythe.
“We are filled to capacity, and any support from the community will be greatly appreciated,” she said. “Financial contributions to underwrite their care and rehabilitation is most needed.”
Animal Friends is seeking people to adopt pets — especially cats — from the shelter.
Additionally, the shelter is seeking donations of the following items:
• Canned cat food
• Clay cat litter
• Blue (incontinence) pads
• Kongs or other non-destructible toys
