Reports from neighbors are what led the PSPCA to obtain a search warrant to enter the property to which one officer described as a 'dump'. It is guessed that the animals had been abandoned for approximately one month.
Fox 29 was able to capture the rescue in motion and interview the officers on the scene.
Officers were observed removing an Irish Wolfhound that was well underweight, a Mastiff mix which was obviously emaciated with visible sores throughout its body and a third dog which appeared to be a Pit bull mix.
Officer Rich Loos said, "These animals have definitely been suffering for a long time. They obviously haven't been eating at all or not much for a significant amount of time."
Officer Loos added, "The house is a dump. There is just trash and debris throughout the entire house and we had to search high and low to make sure there were no other animals living inside."
The garage which appeared to be their main living space was appalling with the floor being covered in animal feces.
Investigators say the home appears to have been a breeding operation and had feared they would find deceased puppies during their search. Upon completion there were no signs of animal remains. There is still concern that several cats who had been seen in the windows may still be inside.
A couple who lived in the home along with their two young daughters had been there for several years. It is said that the home was in deplorable conditions while they were there but rather than clean up the home as they agreed, they abandoned it along with their animals left inside to fend for themselves.
Officer Loos said, "You can tell they have no respect for life. The way that they were treating the animals and the way they ... themselves were living, they were just living in squalor."
Tonight, the animals are receiving veterinary care, nutritious food, clean water and a soft place to lay their heads.
Leads on the owners whereabouts are promising and charges are pending as the investigation continues.
The dogs will not yet be available for adoption as they are still considered the owners dogs until the investigation has been completed.
(Examiner.com - Jan 16, 2013)
