PSPCA rescues 28 retired service dogs from unsanitary conditions in Northumberland County

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Ten retired military and law enforcement dogs who were rescued from neglect and animal cruelty in Northumberland County are now up for adoption at Pennsylvania SPCA in North Philadelphia.

In June, August and February The Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement — the agency charged with inspecting and licensing kennels in the commonwealth — notified PSPCA’s Animal Law Enforcement Team about concerns of animals at rescue organization K9 Hero Haven.

In total, 28 dogs that protected and served our country in war zones, transportation hubs and on the streets of communities, were removed from the rescue due to unsanitary conditions and untreated medical conditions.
Some of the dogs have passed away, and some were placed into homes.

Nicole Wilson is PSPCA’s director of Animal Law Enforcement and Shelter Services. She says there are currently 10 dogs, mostly german shepherds and belgian malinois, up for adoption. They range in age from about 4 to 12 years old.

Wilson says, given their history, they are not the easiest dogs to find placement for, as they “have been trained to have a very specific job in their lives.”

“If people can look to their hearts, and if they have the skill set to handle adopting dogs like this, these dogs have provided us with great service and now it is our opportunity to give back to them,” she said.

The owner of K9 Hero Haven had her kennel license revoked after pleading guilty to animal cruelty. Additional animal cruelty charges have been submitted to the district attorney.