Hi Friends…. today we have a very serious and special fundraiser to share with you.  It is a story that legally we had to keep under wraps until just now.  It is the story of the Pittsburgh Hoarding Dogs, and it is a tearjerker.

On July 17, 2023, 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, PA. Officials were investigating neighbor’s concerns regarding the home’s unsanitary conditions and the animal’s 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 had large clumps of matted fur, overgrown nails [which can make walking difficult]. Additionally, many appeared to have eye infections and almost all had burned corneas due to the high ammonia levels in the home. 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 initial treatments.  The dogs were then transferred to DRBC for additional medical care and were held for a period of 14 months, pending legal action.

On July 31, 2023, 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 of neglect of animals [lack of necessary veterinary care] – a misdemeanor of the third degree; twenty-six [26] counts of 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. 

During the 14 months with DRBC the animals continued to receive both medical care and behavioral training.  A Cost of Care action was filed on September 1, 2023, and awarded on July 18, 2024; however, no payment has been received to offset the nearly $200k expended on the animals behalf.  Now free of any legal restraint under Pennsylvania Law, surgical issues must be addressed for these twenty-seven and an additional eight obtained during transfer. 

So today, we are turning to the DRBC Gang to help.  Sometimes love just won’t do it and DRBC really needs your financial support.  Remember, nothing is free to the rescue. Without support from kindhearted people like you, DRBC cannot be there when a pupper needs us most.  Prayers and good thoughts won’t get it done either.  Please consider DRBC and these very special doxies and make a difference today.