Nineteen dogs — some hiding, others completely shut down — were rescued from a 57-year-old Smyrna man who Delaware authorities said was out on bail from a previous animal cruelty incident.
As part of his previous bail release condition, the Delaware Division of Public Health said Robert J. O’Neill was prohibited from having animals.
“The dogs had no space that wasn’t covered in filth to walk or lie down and the grounds were wet, muddy and overgrown, Delaware Animal Services Captain Rebecca Stratton said in a statement. “No animal should live like this.”
Several puppies gather on a deck June 4 before being rescued from what the Delaware Division of Public Health called “inhumane living conditions” on the Smyrna-area property of a man prohibited from having animals.
State officials did not immediately provide details June 15 as to when and with what O’Neill had previously been charged.
The Division of Public Health and Delaware Animal Services were among several state agencies that executed a search warrant June 4 on O’Neill’s Delaware Avenue property in Woodland Beach after learning he had dogs in his possession.
During the search, officials said 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.
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The unsterilized dogs reproduced unchecked and two litters of puppies of various ages were found. Basic veterinary care was not provided, Public Health officials said.
Animal welfare officers worked in the heat, bugs and mud to remove all the dogs and take them to Brandywine Valley SPCA for protective custody.
One of 19 dogs rescued June 4 from what the Delaware Division of Public Health called “inhumane living conditions” on the Smyrna-area property of a man prohibited from having animals.
“It is clear the dogs have not been socialized to people and were terrified,” Stratton said. “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.”
The dogs needed exams, vaccinations and socialization, but were in generally good medical condition, officials said.
O’Neill was taken into custody by Delaware State Police. He’s been charged with 19 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, two dog housing violations and one misdemeanor count of breach of release for violating bail conditions from a previous animal cruelty charge which prohibited him from having animals.
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After his most recent charge, state officials said he was released and is prohibited from owning or possessing animals pending the outcome of the case.
Reporting animal cruelty
A large intake like this, on top of ordinary daily intake of stray, abandoned and abused pets, puts a strain on shelter resources, the Division of Public Health said.
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 Brandywine Valley SPCA’s four shelter locations in the state.
Anyone concerned about an animal’s welfare and suspect cruelty or neglect, should contact the state’s Office of Animal Welfare’s Delaware Animal Services immediately at (302) 255-4646 or report online at animalservices.delaware.gov/report_violation/25.
Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware officials rescue 19 dogs from Smyrna-area home
