Bucks County SPCA removes cats, dogs found in Trevose hotel room
Animal cruelty charges are pending against the owners of nearly three dozen cats and three large-breed dogs found living in a Lower Bucks County motel room.
The Bucks County SPCA humane officers removed the 33 cats and three dogs from the room of an unidentified Bensalem hotel, after staff there discovered the animals during a routine room inspection, according to the animal welfare agency.
The two male owners, who were not identified, had been living in the hotel for at least several months, according to Cindy Kelly, Bucks County SPCA spokeswoman. The owners surrendered the animals to the agency, Kelly added.
When humane officers entered the room, they found the animals roaming freely in what was described as “filthy crowded conditions.”
The strong smell of ammonia in the room from the animal urine stung the officer’s eyes as they worked to remove the animals and transport them to Lahaska shelter, Kelly said.
The animals were examined by a staff veterinarian and one cat is being treated for pyometra, which is a serious infection of the uterus, but most are in fair condition. The animals will remain in the shelter while they recover and until they can be placed for adoption.
The latest case is not the largest hoarding case the SPCA has dealt with this year, according to Kelly. In another case it has taken in 39 cats and kittens, and counting, from a home over four months. Most hoarding cases involve cats, she added.
Where possible, when the owners are cooperative and still residing in their home, the SPCA works with people to bring the animals to the agency in groups rather than all at once so that shelters still have space and resources for other incoming animals, Kelly said.
“We encourage anyone in Bucks County who is having difficulty caring for their animals to reach out for help instead of waiting until the crisis is acute,” Kelly said.
Last December, the agency experienced one of its largest animal hoarding cases in recent memory when a woman turned in 76 cats, many in poor health.
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If you suspect animals in Bucks County are being hoarded, neglected, or abused, contact the Bucks County SPCA tip line at 844-SPCA TIP (844-772-2847) or online at buckscountyspca.org/report-cruelty
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