10 animals seized in suspected dog fighting

WEST CHESTER, PA (February 26, 2018) – The Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) took six dogs and four rabbits into its care on Wednesday February 21, following their seizure by Pennsylvania State Police at a residence in Coatesville City. The dogs were seized as evidence in the case against a man now facing charges that include cruelty to animals and possession of dog fighting paraphernalia, including treadmills and medical supplies affiliated with training and treatment, as well as drug and weapons charges.

The animals were immediately transferred to the BVSPCA West Chester Campus for evaluation and care. BVSPCA medical staff assessed the dogs to be in fair condition and the rabbits to be in poor condition related to inadequate housing and lack of food and water. All ten animals will remain in the care of the BVSPCA as evidence as the case goes through the judicial process.

This case developed over several months following a traffic stop by State Police in Avondale on November 12, when a dog with severe wounds was found in the car. The driver, now the suspect in this case, identified the dog as a stray, at which point the BVSPCA took possession of the dog.

The adult mixed breed dog had extensive and recent wounds on her face, legs and chest that BVSPCA veterinarians identified as consistent with bite wounds. The dog, now named Nibbles, required two months of medical care, including reconstructive surgeries for her jaw and several surgeries to treat her wounds. A BVSPCA surgery technician has been fostering Nibbles, and she is now available for adoption into a forever family.

“It is beyond comprehension that animals could be forced to suffer like this for entertainment,” said Adam Lamb. “We’re grateful for the diligence of the State Police in pursing this case, and we’ll support them in every way possible to find justice for these animals and prevent future suffering.”

The BVSPCA asks for the community’s help meeting the significant cost of medical care for Nibbles and what is likely to be a long period of care and rehabilitation for the other ten animals while the case works through the judicial process. Donations can be mailed to: Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19382 or click on the button below to donate online.

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About the Brandywine Valley SPCA

Founded in 1929, the Brandywine Valley SPCA is the first open admission no-kill shelter in Pennsylvania and Delaware. In 2017, the BVSPCA cared for more than 13,000 stray, owner-surrendered, wayward owned, and abused and neglected animals while achieving a 96% live release rate. The BVSPCA provides animal protective services for Chester County and much of Delaware County in Pennsylvania, and it holds a five-year contract with the Delaware Office of Animal Welfare to provide state-wide animal services for dogs. Animals are placed through four adoption centers: the West Chester Campus, the New Castle Campus, the Georgetown Campus, and a PetSmart® Everyday Adoption Center in Dover. In addition, the BVSPCA provides families with safety net and low-cost veterinary services at its three clinic locations: the Malvern Animal Health Center, the New Castle Animal Health Center, and the Georgetown Animal Health Center. www.bvspca.org.