35 dogs rescued from Lewes home

The Office of Animal Welfare’s Delaware Animal Services seized 35 small dogs from a Lewes home Aug. 8.

Brandywine Valley SPCA is now caring for the dogs. In a press release, BVSPCA described the conditions in the home as deplorable.

After receiving a call from concerned neighbors, Animal Welfare officers arrived to find dogs running loose on the property, jumping from an open window and living in filth with no electricity or running water. According to a press release, neighbors said no one had been seen at the home in several days.

A team of BVSPCA staffers joined officers to help safely secure and remove all dogs. They were transported to BVSPCA's Animal Rescue Center in Georgetown, where they will be examined and receive veterinary care, be groomed, spayed and neutered, and rehabilitated until they are ready for adoption.

In all, 32 small-breed dogs and three nursing puppies are in the care of BVSPCA.

"No animal should be left to fend for themselves or live in conditions as awful as these dogs were found," said Adam Lamb, BVSPCA CEO. "We commend the Office of Animal Welfare for its work in this case, and are proud to have the ability to take in this large group of dogs at our Animal Rescue Center to provide the bridge they need to recover and find loving forever families."

In an Aug. 11 update on Facebook, BVSPCA said all of the survivors have been named after the Philadelphia Eagles because of their fight and tenacity.

The investigation by Delaware Animal Services is ongoing and criminal charges are pending.

BVSPCA is asking for donations to defray the significant cost of caring for the dogs, which are in need of medical treatment, vaccinations, surgeries and round-the-clock care. For more information, go to bvspca.org.