On July 17, with the assistance of North Fayette Police Department, HARP’s Humane Animal of Pittsburgh Police Officers executed a search warrant on a property in North Fayette Township. Officials were investigating neighbors’ concerns regarding the home’s unsanitary conditions and the animals’ welfare. Upon entering, officers found the conditions inside the home deplorable, with an overwhelming odor of dog urine and feces.
Twenty-seven (27) dachshunds were found on the property, suffering from malnourishment, dental disease, many have large clumps of matted fur, overgrown nails (which can make walking difficult), and several appear to have eye infections. Sadly, one dachshund was deceased. The animals were transported to Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh’s East Side domestic shelter. Once at HARP, the animals were evaluated by the medical and animal care teams and given needed care and treatments.
On July 31, charges were filed against the owner of the dachshunds removed from the home. The owner was charged with six (6) counts of aggravated cruelty to animals – a felony in the third degree; seventeen (17) counts neglect of animals (lack of necessary veterinary care) – a misdemeanor of the third degree; twenty-six (26) counts neglect of animals (lack of food and water) – a summary offense; twenty-six (26) counts neglect of animals (lack of access to clean and sanitary shelter) – a summary offense; and twenty-one (21) counts of neglect of animals – a summary offense.
Each year, HARP’s trained and certified Humane Investigation team fields reports of suspected animal neglect and cruelty investigating over 2,000 calls. Anyone who suspects neglect, abuse, abandonment of pets, or animal fighting within Allegheny County is urged to contact our Humane Investigations Department at 412-345-7300 ext. 252 or by email at investigations@humaneanimalrescue.org
Since their arrival at HARP, the dogs have been receiving the care and love they need, including oral surgery and eye enucleations due to dental disease and eye infections suffered in their former home.
HARP relies on the support of the community to continue to provide the care for animals like the rescued dachshunds. Please consider donating to help these poor dogs. Every dollar donated will help give them the care they need and the love they deserve.
I called about the dachshunds and no one has returned my call yet. When can I expect a call?
We’ve been receiving numerous calls, emails and messages from supporters wanting more information on the dachshunds. We are so moved by the outpouring of support and want to thank everyone for the love! While we strive to answer every message we receive, our first priority is ensuring the animals in our care receive the best care possible. We put together this page in the hopes of answering the most common questions we’re receiving in the most efficient way. We thank you for your patience!
Can I adopt one of the dachshunds?
Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh is appreciative of the interest in possible adoptions of these dogs. Due to pending legal cases that may result, they are not available at this time. However, we have a number of animals currently available for adoption. Visit humaneanimalrescue.org/adopt to view those pets looking for their forever families.
Can I foster one of the dachshunds?
The dachshunds are still being evaluated and receiving much needed medical care. We are unsure how many will need fostering in the future. However, HARP is always in need of foster parents! To learn more about our foster program, click here.
How can I help the dachshunds and the other animals in your care?
As in many animal welfare cases, the discovery and rescue of these animals was in part thanks to citizen-raised concerns. If you suspect an animal is in harm, please contact Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh at 412-345-7300 or your local police department. We rely on the support of the public to do this life-saving work, and to investigate claims of animal neglect and abuse.
Thanks to the dedicated staff and volunteers, the dachshunds are receiving the care they need and the love they deserve. However, receiving this number of animals at one time can be involved and costly. Please consider supporting the dachshunds as they begin their recovery by donating here: 26 Dachshunds
or donate to our wish list here: HARP Wish List
Thank you for your compassion and support.
