Nearly 200 Dogs Rescued from Columbia County Home

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- State dog wardens removed nearly 200 Chihuahuas living in unsanitary conditions from a home in Benton, Columbia County the evening of July 19.

Dog wardens, in cooperation with Pennsylvania State Police, executed a search warrant at the home of Albert and Thomas Ambrosia after receiving numerous tips.

"The Dog Law Enforcement Office is committed to fully enforcing Pennsylvania's dog laws," said Executive Deputy Secretary Mike Pechart, who oversees dog law enforcement activities at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. "This is an unfortunate situation of animal hoarding that endangered the health and safety of dogs. It is illegal and will not be tolerated."

Any person who keeps, transfers or boards at least 26 dogs per year must obtain a kennel license and be inspected annually. Dogs must also have current Pennsylvania dog licenses and rabies vaccinations. Dog law charges have not been determined.

Dogs had skin, eye and dental health issues, and numerous dead dogs were found. Any charges for animal cruelty would be issued by the state police.

The dogs are being held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg until they can be transferred to shelters where they will be treated by veterinarians and evaluated for adoption.

To confidentially report unsatisfactory conditions at a kennel, or if a kennel is suspected of operating illegally, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's toll-free tip line at 877-DOG-TIP1.

Media contact: Nicole L. C. Bucher, 717-787-5085 or 717-818-3663

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture