On Wednesday, May 7, The SPCA for Monterey County rescued 14 dogs, four
very young puppies and two cats from shocking, inhumane conditions
in a Pacific Grove house.
According to the SPCA, the small residence was dangerously cluttered
with piles of clothing, trash and garbage. The house was filled with
feces and urine. All 18 dogs, including four very young puppies, were
locked in three small back rooms, where the overwhelming stench of
ammonia from urine caused difficulty breathing and made humane officers’
eyes burn. The toxic conditions of the home were so extreme and unsafe
that Pacific Grove Fire Department personnel strongly recommended that
animal rescuers not return inside the house without protective equipment
due to high levels of ammonia gas. During the search of the home some
doors had to be forced open by rescuers because they were blocked by
deep piles of feces and garbage.
The house, designated as a historic home by the Heritage Society of
Pacific Grove, has since been declared uninhabitable. Officials are not
releasing the address as yet. In other cases where wooden floors have
been repeatedly urinated on by pets, the wood becomes saturated and must
be torn out.
Photos, which are disturbing, are available here:
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B-TaXD4zmEIYcG52eFFOcXh3LW8&usp=sharing
The rescued pets are suffering from a variety of health issues including
flea infestations, eye discharge, ear infections, hair loss, dental
disease, eye trauma, overgrown toenails (one so long it had pierced and
was growing into the pad of the foot), and overall lack of care. Some
are underweight. Many of the dogs are not spayed or neutered and at
least two of the dogs are pregnant.
Other agencies involved include the Pacific Grove Fire Department,
Pacific Grove Police Department, City of Monterey building inspector,
and PGPD Code Enforcement officers.
SPCA Humane Investigations officers are still investigating and will
likely submit the case to the Monterey County Office of the District
Attorney for their consideration of multiple counts of animal neglect
under the California State Penal Code.
Cedar Street Times, 306 Grand Ave., Pacific Grove, CA 93950
