A Lancaster man has been found guilty on 26 counts of animal cruelty, according to the Pennsylvania SPCA. Samuel Stoltzfus of Lititz kept 18 dogs in unsanitary conditions and docked the tails of puppies beyond the allowable period.
The PSPCA found the dogs on September 18 after responding to a tip from the Department of Agriculture’s Dog Law Enforcement. One dog was also suffering from ulcers on their paws, caused by the unsanitary conditions.
The dogs included two adult Boxers, eight Boxer puppies, one adult Shiba Inu, four Shiba Inu puppies, two German Shepherds (one which was pregnant), and one Bernese Mountain Dog.
"The Pennsylvania SPCA has been advocating for animals for nearly 150 years, and it is cases like this that remind us why our Humane Law Enforcement officers are so important to the welfare of animals in Lancaster County given the history and amount of animal cruelty,” Jerry Buckley, PSPCA CEO, said in a statement. “These dogs were living in horrid conditions, and thanks to the work of our Humane Law Enforcement and Litigation departments, they have not only been removed from that life, but have been given a second chance at finding the loving homes they deserve.”
Stoltzfus was sentenced to 90-days prohibition of animals on each count, totaling over six years, forfeiture of all animals involved, and to pay restitution to the PSPCA for the care of the animals, which is nearly $29,000.