Image courtesy DPH
DAS Captain Rebecca Stratton
A Smyrna man has been arrested after the Office of Animal Welfare Animal Services rescued 19 dogs from his home where they were living in inhumane conditions. Animal Services officials executed a search warrant at the Woodland Beach residence where they found 2 adult dogs and 17 puppies living in dilapidated mobile trailers and a shed above swampy, muddy ground. The dogs were moved to safety and transported to Brandywine Valley SPCA and Delaware State Police arrested 57 year old Robert O’Neill for failure to appear on previous cruelty charges. O’Neill was transported to Troop 9. He was released and is prohibited from owning or possessing animals pending the outcome of the case.
He is charged with 19 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, two dog housing violations, one misdemeanor count of Breach of Release for violating bail conditions from a previous animal cruelty charge which prohibited him from having animals.
Additional information from Division of Public Health:
On June 4, DAS executed a search warrant at the suspect’s property on Delaware Ave in Woodland Beach after learning the suspect had dogs in his possession. There, DAS animal welfare officers found two adult dogs and 17 puppies living in dilapidated mobile trailers and a shed above swampy, muddy ground. The flooring in all areas was covered in accumulated feces, filth, and clutter. The unsterilized dogs reproduced unchecked, and two litters of puppies of various ages were found. Basic veterinary care was not provided.
“The dogs had no space that wasn’t covered in filth to walk or lie down, and the grounds were wet, muddy and overgrown. No animal should live like this,” said DAS Captain Rebecca Stratton.
A team of DAS animal welfare officers worked in the heat, bugs and mud to remove all dogs to safety and transport them to Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) for protective custody.
O’Neill was taken into custody on scene by Delaware State Police and transported to Troop 9 for an outstanding capias for failure to appear for previous cruelty charges. He was released and is prohibited from owning or possessing animals pending the outcome of the case.
“It is clear the dogs have not been socialized to people and were terrified. Some tried to hide from us, and some just completely shut down trembling in corners. We are happy to remove them from that horrible environment and get them the proper care they deserve,” said Stratton.
The dogs needed exams, vaccinations, and socialization, but were in generally good medical condition.
A large intake like this, on top of ordinary daily intake of stray, abandoned, and abused pets, puts a strain on shelter resources. Anyone wishing to adopt or foster a pet to help make room for animals like these, or to donate to their care, can visit any of BVSPCA’s four shelter locations in the state.
