Over 60 dogs, cats rescued from deplorable conditions at Pittsburgh-area home, police say

Over 60 dogs and cats were rescued after they were found living in deplorable conditions in Fayette County, police say. 

A spokesperson for Pennsylvania State Police said the investigation began in April when 39 dogs, including puppies, were surrendered to a local rescue in terrible condition. 

As part of the investigation, troopers said a search warrant was carried out on Wednesday at a home on Main Street in Belle Vernon. Inside, police said they found 62 dogs and two cats living in horrible conditions. 

In a Facebook post, SWPA Humane Law Enforcement said it was called, along with Angels of Mercy and the ANNA Shelter, to help execute the search warrant. The rescue, which operates in Fayette and Greene counties, said the animals were removed from "conditions of extreme neglect." SWPA said it was caring for one puppy, but it died. 

The ANNA Shelter said in a Facebook post that some of the dogs "were actively dying." Photos shared by the ANNA Shelter from inside the home show dirt covering many surfaces and what appears to be feces scattered on the floor.

\No charges have been filed yet, but police said that process could take weeks because of the number of animals rescued and the severity of the case. State police are considering this an illegal kennel because of the number and ages of the dogs.

Neighbors told KDKA on Thursday that they were surprised to hear anyone was living in the home, let alone that 62 dogs were found inside.

"It looks like it should be condemned, if not bulldozed over," neighbor Jaclyn Naylor said.

The ANNA Shelter said it is working to make the dogs available for adoption as soon as possible.

"I hope these animals get better and they're able to find homes," Naylor said.