2 children, dozens of animals removed from "uninhabitable home" in Northeast Philadelphia, police say
Two young children and dozens of animals were removed from deplorable conditions inside a Northeast Philadelphia home Tuesday, police said.
The FBI was conducting a court-authorized law enforcement operation around 11 a.m. on July 7 at the home on the 7100 block of Whitaker Avenue, where two adults and two children lived, when they discovered the conditions, Philadelphia police said.
The children — an 8-month-old and a 5-year-old — were taken to a local hospital to be evaluated, police said. They said the children are now in the Department of Human Services' custody. The children were living beside piles of trash, feces and urine-soaked flooring.
The Special Victims Unit has launched an investigation into their well-being. Police described the condition of the home as "unsafe and uninhabitable."
Megan Bach, 44, and Thomas Bach, 43, were arrested and have been charged with endangering the welfare of a child, reckless endangerment and other counts, Philadelphia police said Wednesday. They are the children's parents, police sources said.
Investigators also found guns in the home, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office said.
The investigation remains active and is led by the FBI, according to Philadelphia police. The FBI has not shared details about the search warrant that initially brought agents to the scene.
CBS News Philadelphia cameras saw police from the Pennsylvania SPCA and animal control on scene with multiple animal crates.
Wednesday morning, the PSPCA said it pulled 38 cats and one dog from the home. Officers are heading back to the home to retrieve any other animals that might still be hiding around the property.
"Our Animal Law Enforcement team sprang into action yesterday upon learning that animals were living in deplorable and unsanitary conditions inside this home," Nicole Wilson, director of animal law enforcement and shelter operations at the PSPCA, said. "Thanks to the swift work of our officers and the invaluable assistance of our partners at ACCT Philly, 38 cats and one dog are now safe. It is our hope that, in time, each of them will find the loving new homes and new beginnings they deserve."
All of the animals that were removed from the home are undergoing forensic exams and will receive medical care, the PSPCA said. Charges against those responsible are pending based on the results of those exams.
Neighbors were left speechless by what was happening at the home and the lingering stench.
"I wouldn't expect it," said Nancy Holmquist, who added it's a nice, quiet neighborhood that always feels safe.
"It's absolutely horrible that people live like this, and kids and all the animals," neighbor Ella Shapiro said.
