(WJAC) — Authorities say 150 animals were rescued from two residential properties in in Washington and Westmoreland counties in what humane society officials are calling an alleged large-scale neglect situation.
The Washington Area Humane Society, with the assistance of the Humane Society of the United States, seized 150 cats, kittens, dogs and chickens.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, local authorities served search and seizure warrants on two residential properties early Wednesday morning. The animals were living in filthy conditions and appeared to be suffering from a lack of proper veterinary care, officials say.
Officials say many of the cats were found in a dilapidated church, with some living in crates overflowing with feces and no apparent access to food or water. Authorities say other cats were found in a dark basement of a Victorian-style house, stacked in crates.
Authorities say 20 chickens were also found in the basement of the house.
“It was distressing to see gentle cats being forced to live in a dungeon-like setting, stacked in crates in a dark basement. No animal deserves to suffer in conditions like we have seen today,” said Kristen Tullo, Pennsylvania state director for the Humane Society of the United States. “We are thankful to all of the agencies involved for answering the call to get these cats desperately needed help.”
The Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team is taking the animals to an undisclosed shelter.
Officials are asking for donations to help the relocated animals.
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