I don't usually post in the dog section but this happened this week in our Happy Valley. It is a sad situation in to many ways. One that these animals had to be in this situation in the first place. And then that our SPCA got involved. He claims he had no other choice but as far as I know he didn't even make an effort to contact other rescue organizations before destroying so many dogs. I posted this here rather than the Rescue but if someone feels it should be moved please feel free.
Denyce
SPRING MILLS - More than 100 dogs were removed from a Spring Mills farm Monday and charges of animal cruelty are pending against two women whom officials believe were "trying to do a good thing and just got over their heads."
The investigation began when county dog warden Edward Lucas contacted John Matrisciano, the county's Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals director, because he was having trouble contacting licensed kennel owner Avis Brech, of 1074 Upper Georges Valley Road, Spring Mills. The second woman's name could not be confirmed Tuesday. Under Pennsylvania law, dog wardens are required to inspect kennels regularly.
Matrisciano and Lucas went to Brech's property Thursday and counted about 80 dogs housed there. Brech is only licensed to have 50 dogs, Matrisciano said. The two men then applied for a search warrant and on Monday removed 105 dogs, two horses and four cats from the property.
"I brought along two horse trailers, thinking that it would be enough," Matrisciano said. "But I had to go back and get a third trailer to carry all the animals out of there."
Calls to Brech went unanswered Tuesday.
Over the years, Matrisciano said the SPCA had received a few complaints about Brech's farm. When they investigated, the situation there was "less than adequate but workable," he said. But when Brech did not respond to Lucas' requests for an inspection, Matrisciano decided to step in.
When they arrived at the property, Matrisciano said the smell of feces was overpowering and the sound of barking dogs echoed through the farm. Many of the dogs were emaciated and living in several inches of feces. Some were kept in crates, though most were in kennels in outbuildings on the property.
The majority of the dogs were hounds, but there also were greyhounds, Great Danes and terriers found, Matrisciano said.
The horses had burrs and mud matted into their coats, manes and tails. Their rib and hip bones were visible and both had problems with their hooves, Matrisciano said.
Matrisciano said all the animals found on the farm belong to Brech and the other woman; none were being boarded or were for sale. The youngest dogs were part of a litter of 6-month-old black and tan hounds, he said.
"I think this is a situation where they were trying to do good," Matrisciano said. "I don't think there was any malice involved. The situation just snowballed."
Even so, Matrisciano said he doesn't know how anyone could think they could care for more than 100 animals. "We have a paid staff and we can't care for that many," he said.
Brech willingly surrendered 64 of the dogs, Matrisciano said, after officials began removing the animals Monday.
Of those, half were euthanized for health or personality problems.
Matrisciano said he also euthanized 13 dogs housed at the shelter Monday to make room for the dogs from Brech's farm.
"That was a tough decision, one that will haunt me," Matrisciano said.
"But what other option is there?"
Matrisciano said 19 of Brech's dogs are being housed at the SPCA's kennel in Centre Hall. The rest are being kept by kennels all over the region until officials can decide what will happen next.
Some of the dogs will be available for adoption.
But those that weren't voluntarily surrendered might have to be given back if the women are acquitted of the charges, Matrisciano said.
Charges of animal cruelty, keeping animals in unsanitary conditions and related counts will be filed, he said.
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