State police remove 58 animals from Butler County house during animal neglect search warrant

EAU CLAIRE, Pa. — Wednesday, Pennsylvania State Police announced the seizure of 58 animals from a home in Eau Claire, Butler County.

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“Originally they had anticipated 20 animals, so I kind of didn’t think we’d be there quite as long and didn’t come as prepared. We ended up removing 58 animals from the property,” said

Ruth Thompson, the Founder and Director of The ANNA Shelter, in Erie, where the animals were taken and are now being cared for.

The nearly five dozen animals were removed from the South Washington Street home on Dec. 21.

“All of them needed some form of medical help, some more critical than others. A majority of them were just hungry,” Thompson said.

The animals seized included dogs, cats, snakes, rats, a ferret, a bearded dragon, and a goat.

“I think it was good intentions at one point that just got out of hand. Not the worst place I’ve ever been to, but certainly a place that needed the animals removed,” Thompson said.

According to State Police, multiple children were living in the home and CYS was called.

The animal neglect investigation is still ongoing.

As for the animals themselves, they are now on the mend and preparing for new homes.

“We’re a true no-kill shelter. The plan will be to get them healthy to where our veterinarians feel they are ready to go back out into the public and get them put into adoption,” said Thompson.

More than half of the animals seized are currently in a 30-day quarantine.

Once they’re healthy they will also be eligible for adoption.

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