71 dogs found living in filthy conditions in Lehigh Valley

UPPER SAUCON TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- The Lehigh County Humane Society is caring for 71 beagles that were rescued from a cramped house in rural Pennsylvania over the weekend.

Though the dogs are being well-cared for now, it's a lot of work, and that's why they are asking for your help.

It was Saturday evening when the Lehigh Valley Humane Society received a dog-related noise complaint involving a home in Upper Saucon. They arrived to find 71 beagles living in deplorable conditions.

Barbara Morgan, the Lehigh County animal cruelty officer, says it's among the worst cases she has ever seen.

"The animals themselves, everywhere from emaciated to worms," Morgan said. "But they're all being treated and assessed at this time."

The good news is that most, if not all, of the beagles are expected to fully recover. The bad news is that the Humane Society, which has a 200 animal capacity, is bursting at the seams with beagles.

Officials there suddenly find themselves in desperate need of dog food, supplies, medicine, and more.

"We need volunteers. We need people to come down and walk the dogs and have a good time. Show them some love," said Hal Warner of the Lehigh Valley Humane Society.

Warner, the Humane Society's development officer, says ever since they posted a story about the dogs on their Facebook page, a steady stream of people has been showing up ready to give, and do, what they can.

People like Patricia Brigidi who drove to Allentown on Monday, all the way from Abington.

"I cried this morning," Brigidi said. "My friend actually sent me the link saying. OMG look at this and you just have to cry."

We are told the rescued beagles should be available for adoption by the end of next week. Until then, the Humane Society is accepting all of the help it can get.

"The need is going to be ongoing. Over the next week or two we'll be doing medical evaluations of all the animals taken in. I think, as we said earlier, this is going to be the largest animal rescue in our 150 year history and we're proud to be part of it," Warner said.

Investigators have not yet released the name of the owner of the home where those dogs were found, and they're still trying to determine why he had all those beagles. But we are told it is likely that man will face animal cruelty charges.

Donations can be made to the shelter at www.thelehighcountyhumanesociety.org.

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