COATESVILLE, Pa. — The discovery of an injured kitten in Chester County led to the rescue of nearly 40 animals from a now-condemned home, authorities said this week.
The kitten, named Roo by its rescuers, was brought to the Brandywine Valley SPCA. The animal was wrapped in duct tape that was hiding a severed front leg that had exposed bone and rotting tissue, the SPCA said.
The kitten was taken to the SPCA's West Chester Campus for treatment, the SPCA said. Medical staff removed the rest of the kitten's leg to stop the infection and save its life.
The kitten's condition launched an investigation of the home it was brought from, the SPCA said.
SPCA officers served a search warrant at the Coatesville home and found nearly three dozen kittens and cats, a dog, a turtle, and a rabbit living in dire conditions so bad that the home was eventually condemned, the agency said.
A suspect has been identified and charged with one felony count of aggravated cruelty and two misdemeanor counts of cruelty and neglect in Roo’s case, with dozens of new charges pending for the rest of the animals found, according to the SPCA.
"This story serves as a powerful reminder of the lifesaving impact of our work," the SPCA said. "With your support, we can continue to be on the front lines to prevent future cases of neglect and cruelty, seek justice for the voiceless, and provide a safe place for the survivors’ recovery."
