COALDALE, Pa. — 17 Great Pyrenees dogs, two cats, two birds, and a turtle were all seized by the Pennsylvania SPCA in conjunction with Coaldale Borough Police and Pennsylvania State Police after a several-day investigation at a home along Bull Run Street in Coaldale.
"Very malnourished and underfed. The animals are all going to the SPCA we are working closely with them. They are going to be seen by veterinarians," said Chief Joseph Krebs, Coaldale Borough Police Department.
Chief Joseph Krebs says he first received complaints about alleged animal cruelty at the property last week.
After serving a search warrant on Monday, police say they found animals living in filth and covered in fleas.
Police spent hours searching through the property, which sits at the top of this dead-end road. Once the word got out, neighbors were shocked to learn about the animals' conditions.
"The cops have been sitting up there for maybe an hour or so now. I know there are a lot of animals up there," said Jeff Frable, Coaldale.
Jeff Frable says the women who live in the home used to run a dog kennel years ago, but he says it's not surprising that things got this bad, "She had dozens and dozens of birds for years now back there, a number of dogs. I believe a horse at one time."
Police say charges are pending the results of veterinary reports.