Authorities have arrested a man in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania after they
discovered that he allegedly
neglected, abused, and even tortured more than 400 animals on his farm's property.
Investigators discovered birds, ducks, rabbits, guinea pigs, sheep, goats, and even a horse in his "care." But not all were alive:
investigators also discovered the bodies of many deceased -- and decaying -- animal remains. While many animals survived long enough to be relocated, others were so sick and mistreated, they died after being rescued -- not even making it to veterinarians or rescue shelters.
Sign the petition to demand more stringent laws and oversight of animal welfare for livestock in Pennsylvania!According to the rescue group involved, animals on the property "were standing in feet upon feet of feces, there was no grass, no hay, the water that they did have in one pan was like 6 inches filled with algae, I wouldn't even consider it water. There were streams of just poop-filled water running down the property with dead chickens, dead goats in it."
Authorities found the man was in violation of many legal obligations to his hundreds of animals, including providing safe, clean water; appropriate food; sanitary shelter; and necessary veterinary care.
Officials have charged the man with 2,700 counts of animal abuse, including multiple counts of "aggravated cruelty" resulting in death. But the real question is how the situation was allowed to get this bad. Somehow, an individual was allowed to acquire upwards of
400 animals -- and it's unlikely he bought them all at the same time. Pennsylvania must strengthen its laws regarding the adoption or sale of living farm animals or pets, as well as perform more routine checks on animal welfare on farms.
An earlier intervention -- and closer background checks of this man before he bought all 400 animals -- could have saved countless lives. Sign the petition if you agree!