The discovery of two dead dogs complicates the legal case involving the hoarding of 85 live chihuahuas and chihuahua mixes at a South Philadelphia home.
Investigators are trying to determine if the dogs died of natural causes. If neglect or abuse was involved, the homeowner could face misdemeanor charges, according to Liz Williamson, spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania SPCA.
For each of the 85 living dogs, and two cats also found, a summary offense of unsanitary confinement could be charged, with a possible 90 days in jail and a $750 fine, Williamson said.
Lack of veterinary care, another potential charge for each dog, carries similar possible consequences, she said.
Wednesday night, humane officers wore protective suits and air-filter masks as they entered the three-story residence in the 700 block of Earp Street.
The stench of urine was strong outside, and inside, dog feces was everywhere, said George Bengal, director of law enforcement for the Pennsylvania SPCA.
A woman in her 50s lived the house, Bengal said.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections condemned the house, Bengal said.
"It's unfit for human habitation, let alone animals," he said.
A neighbor, Angel Crusha, 50, said that she has known the woman since 1988, and that they quickly became friends because they both loved animals. She said the woman has a job, interacts with neighbors, and has kept private whatever was going on inside her house.
The woman "got too attached" to her dogs, Crusha said.
"It's like a tattoo," Crusha said. You get one, you want another one."
Bengal said the woman had been a breeder of chihuahuas, but apparently stopped selling them and they began to accumulate.
"We see these types of hoarding situations regularly," he said. "Most people believe they are helping these animals but are quickly overwhelmed and are unable to take care of them, sometimes with tragic results."
The PSPCA was tipped off to the situation in December, but was unable to get enough evidence for a warrant until Wednesday, Bengal said.
The woman agreed to surrender all the dogs, he said.
The removal effort Wednesday followed another hoarding situation that required the PSPCA to respond Tuesday night to the 5700 block of North Mascher Street in Olney.
Humane officers found 90 living animals, plus 30 dead ones in a freezer.
The deceased creatures - dead cats, dogs, chinchillas and wildlife, according to the PSPCA - were found dead on the street and stored in the freezer until trash day, the owner told the Daily News.
The rescued animals included cats, dogs, pigeons, squirrels, chinchillas, beavers and a fox, Bengal said.


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