Discovering that someone is hoarding animals in terrible conditions is always a big shock to a quiet community. And a recent investigation in Woodland Beach uncovered a truly heartbreaking situation hiding right in a local neighborhood. According to the government website, officials recently raided a property after learning of an illegal backyard breeding operation.
The @depublichealth Instagram page shared details about how these neglected adult dogs and their tiny puppies were finally rescued from the property. The owner now faces multiple animal cruelty charges for letting the dogs suffer.
Two neglected dogs and 17 puppies tried to hide from rescues before being brought to safety
Officers executed a search warrant on June 4 after realizing what was happening on Delaware Avenue. And what they found inside those dilapidated mobile trailers and a shed was just awful. The floors were covered in thick feces and clutter, leaving no room for the dogs to sit or lie down. Plus, the poor animals were living above swampy, muddy ground with bugs everywhere. There were two adult dogs and 17 puppies that had to be rescued from the neglected space. They had been reproducing unchecked because they weren’t fixed.
DAS Captain Rebecca Stratton said some of the dogs were so frightened they tried to hide from rescuers, while others shut down completely. As quoted by the Delaware government release, Stratton said, “It is clear the dogs have not been socialized to people and were terrified. Some tried to hide from us, and some just completely shut down, trembling in corners.”
So the team had to work through intense heat and mud to get them out. But they are safe now at the Brandywine Valley SPCA. They need medical exams, vaccines, and a lot of love to help them learn to trust people again. Medically, they are mostly doing okay, which is a miracle.
As for the owner, state police arrested 57-year-old Robert J. O’Neill right on the scene. He is facing 19 counts of animal cruelty and housing violations. In fact, it has been learned that he violated his previous bail conditions, which banned him from owning animals in the first place.
According to the government website, an influx of 19 animals puts a massive strain on local shelter resources. So if anyone in Delaware has space on their couch for fostering or adoption, now is definitely the time to reach out to the BVSPCA.
