Dogs, cats, bird seized from Felton home

More than 70 dogs, cats and a bird were found Jan. 29 in a Felton mobile home in a potential animal cruelty case under investigation by Delaware Animal Services.

DAS received a call from Delaware State Police after finding 66 small dogs, nine cats and a bird living in inhumane conditions, officials said. The dogs were found huddled together in cramped rooms covered in feces, urine and filth, said Laura Matusheski, DAS media relations coordinator. The dogs ranged in age from newborn to senior. None of the dogs were sterilized and they had continued to reproduce, she said.

Officers safely removed the animals from the trailer and transported them to Brandywine Valley SPCA Animal Rescue Center in Georgetown, Matusheski said. The animals showed varying degrees of medical issues – some are underweight, others are suffering from skin or eye issues, and all are infested with fleas, she said.

“No animal should have to live like this,” said DAS Capt. Rebecca Stratton. “Thankfully we were alerted in time to prevent further neglect and remove the animals from the horrible conditions they were forced to endure.”

The investigation by DAS is ongoing and criminal charges are pending, officials said. 

“Our team has been working around the clock since these animals came into our care late Monday,” said Brandywine Valley SPCA CEO Adam Lamb. “We will continue to work with them and provide medical care and rehabilitation until we can place them in the forever homes they each deserve.”

The BVSPCA is asking for the public’s assistance in meeting this emergency need. For more information, go to bvspca.org/get-involved.