Tag:

Animal Neglect

Horse Left Suffering From Untreated Cancer; Bucks Woman Charged With Felony Animal Cruelty Horse Left Suffering From Untreated Cancer; Bucks Woman Charged With Felony Animal Cruelty
Horse Left Suffering From Untreated Cancer; Bucks Woman Charged With Felony Animal Cruelty A Pennsylvania woman is accused of leaving a horse to suffer from untreated cancer so severe it spread throughout the animal’s body before veterinarians determined euthanasia was the only humane option, authorities announced Thursday, May 7. Heather M. Fitzgerald, 54, of Springfield Township, was charged following a lengthy investigation by the Bucks County SPCA and Springfield Township Police, according to authorities. Fitzgerald was arrested on Sunday, May 4, and arraigned before Judge Gary Gambardella. She is charged with felony aggravated cruelty to animals causing serious bodily injury…
Freezers Packed With 55+ Dead Animals Lead To Guilty Verdict In Lancaster County Cruelty Case Freezers Packed With 55+ Dead Animals Lead To Guilty Verdict In Lancaster County Cruelty Case
Freezers Packed With 55+ Dead Animals Lead To Guilty Verdict In Lancaster County Cruelty Case A disturbing animal cruelty case involving dozens of dead animals stored in freezers and neglected pets left behind in a boarded-up home has ended in a guilty verdict, Lancaster County prosecutors announced on Monday, March 30. Eric Lee Wise Werner, 40, of Conoy Township, was convicted on March 18 of 17 counts of animal cruelty following a three-day jury trial, according to the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office. The case dates back to September 2023, when Werner, Jadden Moore, and Mary Good were evicted from their home on the 100 block of Falmouth Road but failed to notify officia…
3 Dogs Found In Darkness, Filth Inside Foreclosed Home In Mahopac, Owner Charged: SPCA 3 Dogs Found In Darkness, Filth Inside Foreclosed Home In Mahopac, Owner Charged: SPCA
3 Dogs Found In Darkness, Filth Inside Foreclosed Home In Mahopac, Owner Charged: SPCA Three neglected dogs were rescued from what authorities described as deplorable conditions inside a foreclosed home in Putnam County, leading to criminal charges against their owner.  The discovery was made on Sunday, March 22, after the Putnam County SPCA received a complaint about animals possibly left behind inside a Mahopac residence, the organization announced on Friday, March 27. When SPCA detectives entered the home, they found three male dachshunds confined to a dark basement surrounded by garbage, feces, and debris, with no food or water available, according to the agency.&nbs…
Golf-Ball-Sized Fecal Blockage Found In Neglected Guinea Pig By Bergen County Rescue Golf-Ball-Sized Fecal Blockage Found In Neglected Guinea Pig By Bergen County Rescue
Golf-Ball-Sized Fecal Blockage Found In Neglected Guinea Pig By Bergen County Rescue A severely neglected guinea pig rescued by Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge in Oakland was found suffering from extensive medical issues that left him unable to relieve himself and in significant pain, the organization said. “When we rescued Rocky, what we found was far worse than anything described to us,” Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge said in a statement. “This tiny guinea pig had been silently suffering for far too long.” The rescue said that upon surrender, only “a little crustiness” was mentioned, but staff quickly discovered there was no poop in Rocky’s cage, bloody nasal discharge, and nail…
Cumberland County Corrections Officer Charged In Agonizing Neglect Of Rescue Dog In Carlisle Cumberland County Corrections Officer Charged In Agonizing Neglect Of Rescue Dog In Carlisle
Cumberland County Corrections Officer Charged In Agonizing Neglect Of Rescue Dog In Carlisle A severely malnourished rescue dog found trembling, emaciated, and suffering from untreated infections has led to aggravated animal cruelty charges against a Cumberland County Corrections officer in Carlisle, police announced. Ashlyn Stevens, 23, a Cumberland County Corrections officer, was charged after a dog formerly named Stella — now known as Natasha — was surrendered to Castaway Critters Animal Rescue in critical condition, according to the Carlisle Borough Police Department. Police said the dog had been left in Stevens’ care after the previous owner moved out of an apartment on the 50…
Wallaby, Parrots, Peacocks Among 84 Animals Seized From Filthy Warwick Home: Sheriff Wallaby, Parrots, Peacocks Among 84 Animals Seized From Filthy Warwick Home: Sheriff
Wallaby, Parrots, Peacocks Among 84 Animals Seized From Filthy Warwick Home: Sheriff Dozens of animals were rescued from a home in Orange County after investigators uncovered what authorities called filthy and neglectful conditions.   In an announcement on Tuesday, Sept. 23, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said the case began in 2024, when a complaint was filed about animal abuse at a residence on Old Dutch Hollow Road in Warwick. That complaint had also led to the removal of more than 100 animals at the time. On Aug. 12, 2025, deputies executed an arrest warrant for Linda Hickey, 62, of Monroe, in connection with the 2024 case. While at the property, inve…
Dogs Found In Feces-Filled Crates At Waldorf Home — Owner Released From Custody: Sheriff Dogs Found In Feces-Filled Crates At Waldorf Home — Owner Released From Custody: Sheriff
Dogs Found In Feces-Filled Crates At Waldorf Home — Owner Released From Custody: Sheriff A Maryland man was released from custody after being arrested for animal cruelty and possible dogfighting. Michael Haywood, 47, was arrested by members of the Charles County Sheriff's Office following complaints from neighbors about potential animal neglect in Waldorf, authorities announced. Detectives served a search warrant in the 3500 block of Twinbrook Drive on Sept. 2, where they were met by a grisly sight. According to the sheriff's office, three dogs were being housed in Haywood's garage, living in feces and urine-soaked crates. Two additional dogs were found outside, chained a…
Pregnant PA Teen Beaten In Park, Starving Flea-Covered Puppies Found At Attacker's Home: DA Pregnant PA Teen Beaten In Park, Starving Flea-Covered Puppies Found At Attacker's Home: DA
Pregnant PA Teen Beaten In Park, Starving Flea-Covered Puppies Found At Attacker's Home: DA A violent park attack on a pregnant teen spiraled into a shocking investigation that uncovered animal abuse, dozens of police calls, and a defendant prosecutors say believed she was above the law. Brutal Playground Attack Caught On Video The violence unfolded at Hoberman Park on Monday, April 1. Hailey Gillott, 21, and a 15-year-old girl ambushed a 19-year-old pregnant woman on the playground, police said. As the attack raged, a 16-year-old girl allegedly stood by recording it all. Gillott was arrested the next day. But what police found inside her apartment after that was even worse. Mal…
Puppies Dumped In Maggot-Infested Condition Lead To PSPCA Raid In Philadelphia Puppies Dumped In Maggot-Infested Condition Lead To PSPCA Raid In Philadelphia
Puppies Dumped In Maggot-Infested Condition Lead To Pspca Raid In Philadelphia Two more dogs were rescued from a North Philadelphia home after two critically ill puppies were dumped outside ACCT Philly, the Pennsylvania SPCA announced on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. The PSPCA’s Animal Law Enforcement team executed a search warrant on the 1200 block of West Russell Street on Monday, July 28, after tips from the public led investigators to a property matching surveillance footage from the shelter. At the home, officers spotted a German Shepherd–type dog in the backyard with no shade or adequate shelter in the extreme heat. After obtaining a warrant, officers seized two dogs …
Lansdale Farm Sanctuary Owners Charged With Animal Torture, Neglect After Devastating Fire Lansdale Farm Sanctuary Owners Charged With Animal Torture, Neglect After Devastating Fire
Lansdale Farm Sanctuary Owners Charged With Animal Torture, Neglect After Devastating Fire A Montgomery County animal sanctuary that raised nearly $70,000 in donations after a deadly barn fire is now under criminal investigation — and its owners are facing charges of torturing the very animals they claimed to protect. Erin Beth Wiggle, 46, and Michael Wiggle, 52, of Lansdale, were arrested Wednesday, July 23 by Montgomery County animal control officers. The couple, who run the House of Wiggle Goats in Worcester Township, are charged with 14 criminal counts tied to alleged abuse, neglect, and torture. The charges include four counts of Felony Aggravated Cruelty to Animals – Tortur…
Dogs Found In Feces-Filled Camper; 50 Animal Cruelty Counts For PA Man, Sheriff Says Dogs Found In Feces-Filled Camper; 50 Animal Cruelty Counts For PA Man, Sheriff Says
Dogs Found In Feces-Filled Camper; 50 Animal Cruelty Counts For PA Man, Sheriff Says A 36-year-old Pennsylvania man accused of keeping multiple dogs in filthy cages filled with feces and rotting food was arrested Saturday, July 19, authorities said. ‘I’ve never seen conditions that bad’: Humane officer recalls rescuing 6 puppies from Oakdale camper https://t.co/8vmgqXgsbS — WPXI (@WPXI) July 17, 2025 Joshua Humes is facing more than 50 counts of animal neglect and cruelty after North Fayette Township Police received a tip that several young dogs were being kept inside a camper on Noblestown Road in Oakdale, Allegheny County Sheriff Kevin M. Kraus said. Photos subm…
Dog Left In Soaked Box Outside Pet Care Facility In Middletown: Suspects At Large Dog Left In Soaked Box Outside Pet Care Facility In Middletown: Suspects At Large
Dog Left In Soaked Box Outside Pet Care Facility In Middletown: Suspects At Large The search is on for whoever left a severely neglected dog overnight in the trash and recycling area of an Orange County veterinary office, left to suffer in the cold, wind, and rain before staff discovered him the next morning.   The dog, now named Olaf, was found on Monday morning, March 17, 2025, after enduring a freezing night outside near the garbage bins of Quality Pet Care, LLC in Middletown, the staff announced in a Facebook post.  Security footage is being reviewed, and the Town of Wallkill Police Department is actively investigating to identify those responsible for…
'Heartless': Severely Neglected Dog Found Wandering Meriden Street; $6K Reward Offered For Info 'Heartless': Severely Neglected Dog Found Wandering Meriden Street; $6K Reward Offered For Info
'Heartless': Severely Neglected Dog Found Wandering Meriden Street; $6K Reward Offered For Info A tiny Yorkshire Terrier,  now named Johnny Mac, was found severely malnourished, seriously injured, and near death last month. Now, a local aid group is offering $6,000 to someone who can help investigators track down who did this to the dog.  Johnny Mac was found wandering on Thorpe Avenue in Meriden on Wednesday, Feb. 26. He had no collar and no microchip but a host of medical issues. The Good Samaritan who found him rushed the dog to Meriden Animal Control, according to a Facebook post from Desmond's Army, an animal advocacy group. All four of his legs were completely encased …
BUCKS STORAGE UNIT HORROR: 53 Cats Rescued From Filthy, Cramped Cages BUCKS STORAGE UNIT HORROR: 53 Cats Rescued From Filthy, Cramped Cages
Bucks Storage Unit Horror: 53 Cats Rescued From Filthy, Cramped Cages More than 50 cats were found crammed inside a freezing storage unit in Falls Township—sick, starving, and covered in filth—while their owner searched for housing, authorities said. Now, that owner is facing multiple animal cruelty charges, according to the Bucks County SPCA. Investigators say the animals were packed into "filthy, cramped cages and carriers" inside an unheated Public Storage unit on Commerce Boulevard for up to two weeks. When Falls Township Animal Control discovered the horrifying scene, they immediately called in BCSPCA, which deployed its Chief Humane Officer and a rapid-r…
Illegal Stable Catches Fire Killing Horses, 12 In Critical Condition: PSPCA Illegal Stable Catches Fire Killing Horses, 12 In Critical Condition: PSPCA
Illegal Stable Catches Fire Killing Horses, 12 In Critical Condition: Pspca A devastating fire tore through a property in Southwest Philadelphia, killing two horses and leaving 12 others in need of emergency rescue, Pennsylvania SPCA announced on Thursday, Feb. 20. Flames erupted from the 5800 block of Lindbergh Boulevard early Monday, prompting the PSPCA’s Animal Law Enforcement team to respond. Upon arrival, officers found the makeshift stables had burned to the ground, displacing multiple animals, including a goat and a pig, the agency said. "Heartbreakingly, two of the horses didn’t survive. But, the 12 that did are now in our care," the PSPCA stated. The thre…
Cat Abandoned In Meriden Snow Bank Dies; Authorities Searching For Owner Cat Abandoned In Meriden Snow Bank Dies; Authorities Searching For Owner
Cat Abandoned In Meriden Snow Bank Dies; Authorities Searching For Owner Animal control authorities in Connecticut are asking the public for information about the owners of a cat found abandoned in a carrier and left to die in the snow over the weekend. A couple spotted the cat carrier on Evansville Avenue in Meriden around 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, authorities said. They were horrified to find a cat inside and called animal control for help. Meriden Animal Control officers rushed the cat to a local veterinarian's office, where she was given emergency IVs, antibiotics, and heat treatment. Sadly, it was too late. She died overnight. Rescuers named her Lizzy.…
Manorville Animal Sanctuary Hit With 112 Counts Of Animal Neglect: 'Place Of Suffering' Manorville Animal Sanctuary Hit With 112 Counts Of Animal Neglect: 'Place Of Suffering'
Manorville Animal Sanctuary Hit With 112 Counts Of Animal Neglect: 'Place Of Suffering' A Long Island animal sanctuary has been charged with over 100 counts of animal neglect after law enforcement allegedly uncovered disturbing conditions on the property. Double D Bar Ranch in Manorville was arraigned on 112 charges in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, Feb. 13, following an investigation by the DA’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST). The organization, which promotes itself as an animal sanctuary, failed to provide adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care for a wide range of animals, including cows, goats, horses, and even an alpaca, prosecutor…
23 Starving Cats Rescued From Hoarding Situation In White Plains 23 Starving Cats Rescued From Hoarding Situation In White Plains
23 Starving Cats Rescued From Hoarding Situation In White Plains Nearly two dozen starving cats and kittens have been rescued from a horrific hoarding situation in Westchester, where they were found abandoned, malnourished, and suffering from severe neglect, officials said. SPCA Westchester is urgently seeking community support after rescuing 23 cats and kittens from a dire hoarding situation. The animals were discovered in a White Plains home abandoned after their owner was evicted, leaving them without food or water for weeks, the organization said in a social media post on Wednesday, Feb. 12. The SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Unit responded to the sce…
Dog Found With Abscesses, Infected Ears: Owner From Mahopac Charged, Officials Say Dog Found With Abscesses, Infected Ears: Owner From Mahopac Charged, Officials Say
Dog Found With Abscesses, Infected Ears: Owner From Mahopac Charged, Officials Say A 33-year-old man was criminally charged after allegedly neglecting his Havanese mix puppy, who was found suffering from severe infections and abscesses in Dutchess County, officials announced.  The investigation began on Monday, Jan. 29, when the Town of East Fishkill Police contacted the Putnam County SPCA after the puppy’s owner brought the dog, named "Max," to a veterinary office in East Fishkill. The veterinarians reported that Max showed severe signs of neglect, particularly in his ears and body, the SPCA said on Saturday, Feb. 8.  According to the SPCA, Max had been unable …
Farm Animals Found In Feces-Covered Woodstock Home Ends Major Animal Cruelty Case: Police Farm Animals Found In Feces-Covered Woodstock Home Ends Major Animal Cruelty Case: Police
Farm Animals Found In Feces-Covered Woodstock Home Ends Major Animal Cruelty Case: Police A Connecticut woman is accused of neglecting more than a dozen animals — some livestock — in her feces-covered home for months, authorities said. Victoria A. Lussier, 56, of Woodstock, was arrested on Wednesday, Feb. 6, and charged with 13 counts of animal cruelty following the investigation by NECCOG Animal Control Services, who described her home as unfit for humans or animals. It all started on May 17, 2024, when a neighbor tipped off animal control, saying livestock were living inside Lussier’s house, according to an affidavit for probable cause. When officers arrived, they were hi…
Old Bridge Man Abandoned Dog In Dumpster: Police Old Bridge Man Abandoned Dog In Dumpster: Police
Old Bridge Man Abandoned Dog In Dumpster: Police A 26-year-old Old Bridge man was arrested and charged on Tuesday, Jan. 21 after he abandoned a dog in a dumpster, authorities said. Officers responded to the Glenwood Maintenance Office at 9:16 a.m. after a woman discovered a 2-year-old Bichon Frise inside a dumpster. Surveillance showed the man, who was not identified by police, putting the dog in the dumpster at 10 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 20, law enforcement said. Police were able to distribute the surveillance videos to the public and get the identity of the suspect,  officers said. The suspect was charged with animal neglect and anima…
Neglected Rottweiler Rescued In Highspire: Police Neglected Rottweiler Rescued In Highspire: Police
Neglected Rottweiler Rescued In Highspire: Police A Rottweiler showing signs of severe neglect has been rescued and is receiving treatment as part of a Highspire animal cruelty investigation, police announced late Friday, Jan. 10. The dog was found by a concerned citizen, prompting police to execute a search warrant, authorities said. Veterinary professionals are now caring for the animal while officials work to determine the extent of the alleged neglect, according to the Highspire Police Department. The investigation remains active, and further details were not immediately available. Police say they’re collaborating with veterinary exper…
8 Dogs, 4 Cats Rescued From Convicted Abusers In Suffolk County Crackdown 8 Dogs, 4 Cats Rescued From Convicted Abusers In Suffolk County Crackdown
8 Dogs, 4 Cats Rescued From Convicted Abusers In Suffolk County Crackdown More than a dozen animals were rescued from convicted abusers during Suffolk County’s “Operation Bloodhound,” Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. The operation, led by the District Attorney’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST) in partnership with the Suffolk County Police Department, uncovered shocking violations of court orders by previously convicted animal abusers. Among the cases, a Calverton woman was found in possession of eight dogs despite a court order barring her from owning animals while her cruelty case is…
'Deserved Better': DA Investigating Claims Animals Died From Neglect At Holtsville Preserve 'Deserved Better': DA Investigating Claims Animals Died From Neglect At Holtsville Preserve
'Deserved Better': DA Investigating Claims Animals Died From Neglect At Holtsville Preserve A formal investigation is underway into alleged animal neglect at a Long Island wildlife preserve following allegations by former employees. The Town of Brookhaven on Monday, Dec. 23, requested that the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office conduct an independent investigation into alleged neglect at the Holtsville Ecology Site & Animal Preserve. It followed claims by at least eight former employees that animals at the facility endured years of mistreatment. The Holtsville site is operated by the Town of Brookhaven under its Highway Department, which has faced criticism for its mana…
Neglected Dog Dies Days After Being Found Emaciated, Abandoned In Arlington: Officials Neglected Dog Dies Days After Being Found Emaciated, Abandoned In Arlington: Officials
Neglected Dog Dies Days After Being Found Emaciated, Abandoned In Arlington: Officials Animal control officers in Arlington are asking for the public's help after a severely neglected dog, discovered in critical condition near S. Walter Reed Drive, died despite emergency rescue efforts. The Arlington Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) reported that "Walter," a brown and tan dog with cropped ears, was found Wednesday, Dec. 4, around 8 p.m. near the intersection of 14th Street South and Walter Reed Community Center.  A concerned resident stayed with the dog until Animal Control Resource Deputy Karina Swetnam arrived to take him to an emergency veterinary clinic. Walter wa…
Dogs On Cocaine Among Horrors Found At Animal Abuser's Centereach Home, Police Say Dogs On Cocaine Among Horrors Found At Animal Abuser's Centereach Home, Police Say
Dogs On Cocaine Among Horrors Found At Animal Abuser's Centereach Home, Police Say A Long Island man faces multiple animal cruelty charges after authorities found nearly a dozen dogs living in deplorable conditions, including two that ingested drugs. Christopher DiGiovanna, age 42, was arrested Saturday, Nov. 23, after detectives from the Suffolk County SPCA uncovered 11 dogs living in squalid and dangerous conditions inside his Centereach home, police said. Following a complaint about the animals’ living conditions, Suffolk County Police and Town of Brookhaven Animal Control and Code Enforcement executed a search warrant. Inside, they found numerous dogs underweight, fil…
Man Nabbed After Whipping, Beating 2 Dogs In Yonkers: Police Man Nabbed After Whipping, Beating 2 Dogs In Yonkers: Police
Man Nabbed After Whipping, Beating 2 Dogs In Yonkers: Police A Westchester man was hit with animal cruelty charges after he was caught on camera beating two dogs, including a young puppy, authorities said. Yonkers resident Roger Andrews was arrested on Monday, Nov. 18 after surveillance footage allegedly showed him severely beating two dogs, SPCA Westchester's Humane Law Enforcement Unit announced on Wednesday, Nov. 20.  According to the SPCA, Andrews was seen beating a male puppy named Champ and a female dog named Pretty Girl. The footage depicts him "mercilessly" whipping Champ with a thick rope leash while the puppy screams. Other footage sh…
Dog Left In American Inn Hotel Room For 36 Hours By PA Teen: Police Dog Left In American Inn Hotel Room For 36 Hours By PA Teen: Police
Dog Left In American Inn Hotel Room For 36 Hours By PA Teen: Police A Middlesex Township woman has been charged with animal neglect after her dog was found abandoned in a hotel room for more than 36 hours without food and minimal water, police announced on November 6, 2024.  Ashley Douglas, 18, was identified as the owner and is accused of leaving the dog in the room at the American Inn hotel. Police investigated and confirmed the neglect before making contact with Douglas, who was charged with neglect of an animal.  Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for a future date.
4 Kittens Starved, Neglected By PA Cat Rescue Owner: Affidavit 4 Kittens Starved, Neglected By PA Cat Rescue Owner: Affidavit
4 Kittens Starved, Neglected By PA Cat Rescue Owner: Affidavit The owner of a cat rescue in Montgomery County was charged after four kittens in her care were found dying from starvation and neglect, according to an affidavit. Maura Shuttleworth, 40, of Perkiomenville, was accused of starving the four kittens and failing to provide veterinary care, resulting in one kitten losing an eye due to infection, the affidavit states.  Shuttleworth was charged on Monday, Oct. 28, court documents state. She owns the Feline Frenzy located at 107 South Main Street in North Wales, according to the affidavit. The North Wales Police Department received …
Five Malnourished Horses Removed From Winslow Township Property, Owner Charged: Prosecutors Five Malnourished Horses Removed From Winslow Township Property, Owner Charged: Prosecutors
Five Malnourished Horses Removed From Winslow Township Property, Owner Charged: Prosecutors A Winslow Township woman was accused of neglecting five horses on her property, authorities said. Dana Grykin, 56, was charged with five counts of fourth-degree animal cruelty, Camden County Prosecutor Grace MacAulay said in a news release on Thursday, Oct. 10. Police executed a search warrant on Friday, Oct. 4, removing Grykin's horses from her property on the 100 block of Norcross Road. The state agriculture department assisted the county prosecutor's office and Winslow officers. Investigators said the horses were severely emaciated and dehydrated in a small…
Animal Cruelty: Chickens, Ducks, Roosters Found In 'Deplorable' Conditions In Mahopac Animal Cruelty: Chickens, Ducks, Roosters Found In 'Deplorable' Conditions In Mahopac
Animal Cruelty: Chickens, Ducks, Roosters Found In 'Deplorable' Conditions In Mahopac A 57-year-old man faces criminal charges after neglecting several chickens, roosters, and ducks on his Hudson Valley property, authorities announced. The man was arrested in Putnam County on Monday, Sept. 23 following an investigation conducted at his Mahopac residence, the Putnam County SPCA announced on Friday, Sept. 27. According to authorities, on the day of the man's arrest, SPCA Law Enforcement Division members met with caseworkers from the county's Child Protective Services at his Mahopac address.  There, the caseworkers had already been investigating the care of a teenager at …