Freedom: Princess was one of 13 dogs rescued from a home on the 7900 block of Marsden St. SOURCE: PENNSYLVANIA SPCA
A Holmesburg woman has pleaded guilty to one count of animal cruelty in a case involving 13 dogs and four cats being kept in her property on the 7900 block of Marsden St.
Irene Johnson was charged with keeping her 13 pug-like dogs and four cats in filthy conditions.
On March 19, Pennsylvania SPCA Humane Law Enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Johnson’s property after receiving a tip from the Philadelphia Police Department. The animals were rescued and taken to the PSPCA’s Erie Avenue headquarters, where they received care from the PSPCAs veterinary team.
Johnson has been sentenced to pay a $50 fine to the state, over $4,000 in restitution to the PSPCA for care of the animals, 90 days prohibition of animal ownership with the exception of the three animals remaining in the property, and to provide the PSPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement with full inspection rights of the property.
Of the animals rescued, 10 of the dogs and all four cats were signed over to the PSPCA. Three dogs were returned to Johnson after the property’s conditions were deemed suitable.
One dog, Princess, and two cats remain at the PSPCA, available for adoption.
ldquo;The Pennsylvania SPCA is pleased with the outcome of this case, which illustrates that there are situations when it is appropriate to return the animals to their owner,” said Jerry Buckley, CEO of the PSPCA. “It has always been our mission to protect animals and prevent cruelty, but also to educate people throughout the region on how to properly care for animals. The PSPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement team will continue to monitor the situation through inspection, as well as work with Ms. Johnson to ensure she has the tools to properly care for her animals. It is our hope that she will fulfill her obligation to her animals and make the restitution that has been ordered to cover the costs incurred while the animals were in our care.”
To report animal abuse, call the Pennsylvania SPCA’s cruelty hotline at 866–601-SPCA. ••
