PHILADELPHIA, PA. (WPMT) A Lancaster County woman pleads guilty to 62 counts of summary animal cruelty. Barbara Dienner, of Lititz, will pay a $50 fine on each count and is prohibited from animal ownership for 90 days for each count. Dienner was cited for unsanitary confinement and lack of necessary veterinary care. The charges stem from the rescue of 62 dogs and puppies at her property by the Pennsylvania SPCA Humane Law Enforcement team on December 16, 2014.
Responding to a tip PSPCA Humane Law Enforcement officers executed a search warrant and found the spaniel- and terrier-type dogs living in unsanitary conditions and with untreated medical issues. The animals were assessed by PSPCA medical staff on site and then transported to the Pennsylvania SPCA headquarters in Philadelphia for further evaluation. Dienner surrendered the animals to the PSPCA.
All of the dogs and puppies have been adopted through the PSPCA’s main shelter in North Philadelphia, its Central Pennsylvania Center in Danville, Montour County, and at its adoption locations in several Pets Plus Natural stores. Several of the dogs and puppies were also placed for adoption through PSPCA’s rescue partners.
“It’s not often we see a case of this magnitude,” said Pennsylvania SPCA CEO Jerry Buckley. “We are pleased that Ms. Dienner has accepted responsibility for her actions and that these animals have found justice. As a result of our efforts, all of the animals involved have been placed in loving homes. The PSPCA is the only animal welfare agency in the state capable of performing this life-saving work.”
In Lancaster County, the PSPCA’s humane law enforcement work is supported by the Humane League of Lancaster County. To report animal abuse, all the Pennsylvania SPCA’s cruelty hotline at 1-866-601-SPCA.
To report animal abuse, all the Pennsylvania SPCA’s cruelty hotline at 1-866-601-SPCA.
