Nearly 50 dogs, puppies rescued from filthy Delaware County home

BROOMALL, Pa. (WPVI) -- The Brandywine Valley SPCA is caring for dozens of dogs that they say were rescued from a Delaware County home on Friday night.

Sara Smith, the senior director of communications for the Brandywine Valley SPCA, said they got a call from Marple Township Police on Friday about dogs possibly being left in a home on 1st Ave in Broomall.

When one of their humane law enforcement officers went to check it out, Smith said he was immediately alarmed by the conditions.

"He could see little eyes peering up at him and the smell that was pretty noticeable," Smith explained. "I don't think anyone realized what they were walking into."

Once they secured a search warrant, the SPCA worked with local police and fire crews to rescue the 44 dogs and puppies.

"We have a mom who was nursing just days-old puppies. They were in the filth. And, we have other puppies that were probably about four weeks old," Smith said.

According to Smith, the home was filthy, there was no electricity and the air quality was poor.

When Action News visited the neighborhood on Tuesday, there was a noticeable odor by the house and flies were swarming the front porch.

The woman who lives at the home, identified as 67-year-old Mary Lacey, is now facing charges.

"We filed over 200 charges in this case, cruelty charges, neglect charges," Smith said. "Really, the goal here is to make sure no other animals are ever in this person's care."

Lacey's neighbors in Broomall told Action News they have voiced concerns about the condition of the home and the animals living there in the past.

They were relieved to see the animals rescued and taken to safety.

Melvin Pathrose, of Broomall, said, "Just to know they're safe, being taken care of, being treated, just a huge relief for everyone on the block."

Smith said all of the dogs that were rescued will need their vaccinations and grooming. They will also have to eventually be spayed or neutered.

If you are interested in adopting, fostering, or supporting the dogs, visit the Brandywine Valley SPCA's website.