Georgetown breeder surrenders 54 dogs to SPCA

A Georgetown dog breeder surrendered 54 small dogs to Brandywine Valley SPCA after telling Delaware Office of Animal Welfare investigators she could no longer care for them.

“The owner said she was overwhelmed with the number of dogs,” said Linda Torelli, director of marketing and programs for the Brandywine Valley SPCA.

The homeowner asked for help to reduce the number of dogs and for assistance with medical care, Torelli said. On Aug. 4, she said, a team of 15 medical and animal specialists went to the property and spent eight hours providing vaccinations and deworming, treating the dogs for heartworms, fleas and ticks, and additional medical treatment. The medical cost for the visit was $20,000 for the SPCA, and there is additional expense for emergency boarding, spay and neutering and medical care, Torelli said.

Andrea Wojcik, spokeswoman for the Division of Public Health which coordinates information for the OAW, said members of OAW enforcement responded July 23 to a complaint of suspected animal cruelty at the Georgetown residence. While there, she said, officers observed unsanitary conditions and other violations, and they issued notices for corrective action.

“The elderly homeowner agreed to reduce the number of dogs in her care, so that she could properly care for the remaining dogs on her property,” Wojcik said.

The homeowner was left with more than 100 dogs. Wojcik would not identify the woman or the location of the house because no criminal charges or arrests have been made.

The 54 dogs given to the SPCA have been spread among shelters in Georgetown, West Chester and New Castle, Torelli said.

The dogs include Pomeranians, shih tzus, dachshunds, miniature poodles and pugs, and they are mostly adults.

Torelli said a few of the dogs have been cleared for adoption and all adoption fees for them have been waived for the Clear the Shelters event 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 18, at the Brandywine Valley SPCA, 22918 Dupont Blvd., Georgetown.