More than 50 animals were pulled from what rescuers described as “completely deplorable” conditions inside a double-wide home along Bando Road in Black Township, Somerset County, after a welfare check Tuesday night.
Rescuers said the animals 44 dogs, two cats, birds, a bearded dragon and a goat — were found living in filth inside the home. Nicole Wertz, director of Abby’s Angels Animal Haven, said a probation officer contacted her after checking on a client and becoming concerned about the number of dogs at the house.
“I had a probation officer reach out to me yesterday afternoon and say that she had a client that she had been checking on and there were a lot of dogs at this house and she wasn’t really sure what to do. She knew that we took care of cases like this,”
Wertz said she contacted local rescues, shelters and state police, who performed a welfare check. After police arrived, Wertz said she was told to come to the scene.
“There was feces everywhere, urine everywhere, There were bowls of food. But there was also feces mixed in with the food.”
Wertz said the home was also filled with “ripped up furniture” and “trash everywhere,” and that most of the dogs were loose inside.
Volunteers and police worked to remove the animals and transport them to rescues and shelters throughout the region. Most of the animals are now in safe homes, rescuers said, but recovery is expected to take time. Wertz also said that the two cats believed to be in the home have not yet been found.
Chanel Warner, owner of Project Meow, said she took in three of the dogs Tuesday night and described the animals as frightened in the immediate aftermath.
“They’re still scared and terrified, the first night was really rough,” Warner said. “This morning they were laying with me, they were cuddling me, licking my face, they’re still a little on edge, but a little bit better, it’s gonna take time.”
Rescuers said many of the animals are dealing with medical issues and signs of neglect. “They have ear infections, they’re itchy, a bunch of missing patches are fur,” Wertz said. She also said there had been dog fights and that some animals have scars and wounds.
Wertz said rescuers identified multiple pregnant dogs and young puppies in the group.
“I know there was there were three for sure pregnant females. One is very very pregnant and could probably have them at any point now, There was also a mother with six probably three or four week old puppies. So four mothers total.”
Wertz said rescuers identified multiple pregnant dogs and young puppies in the group.
“I know there was there were three for sure pregnant females. One is very very pregnant and could probably have them at any point now,” Wertz said. “There was also a mother with six probably three or four week old puppies. So four mothers total.”
Warner said the dogs in her care will be evaluated and treated before they are placed for adoption.
“Once they’re decompressed and they’re doing okay, we’re going to get them fixed, we’re going to get them their shots here soon, and to the vet and try to get them good homes,”