Shock and heartbreak as 117 extremely neglected dogs were rescued from a cruel hoarder's house

117 neglected dogs were rescued in what Ross Township police in Pennsylvania called one of the worst hoarding cases in local history. The pups were mistreated to the point where it was hard to believe how they could survive in such filthy, inhumane conditions.

One of the worst hoarding cases in local history

Officer Warren Lillie, always one of the first to respond to animal abuse, neglect, and cruelty cases in Ross Township, wasn’t ready for what he was about to see. A lifetime dog lover with extensive knowledge of pet care from his time as a K-9 handler, he thought he had seen it all. But even he was shocked by a heartbreaking scene of over a hundred pooches trapped in a filthy ‘horror house’.

Lillie commented:

I was almost in shock, and I'm never shocked by anything I see. I've been through shootings, have almost been killed, dragged by cars ... and I was so taken aback. The ammonia levels in there were so high, a human wouldn't have been able to live more than a few hours in there.

Packed shoulder to shoulder

The scale of neglect was hard to believe. Dogs were living in filth, packed shoulder to shoulder in a living room.

Lillie and his colleagues worked tirelessly, including during their off-duty hours, to save as many animals as possible, and it took them 10-12 long hours to pull out 117 pups from the horrendous residence to safety. The dog lover with a badge needed a new oxygen tank six times to keep going.

He admitted:

I couldn't just sit on the sidelines.

After the rescue operation was concluded, Lillie continued overseeing the investigation and gathering more physical evidence for prosecutors.

A loving home for Chunk

Animal Friends, the humane organisation in charge of the rescued puppies, believed that one of them would make an amazing companion for Lillie.

Though it was incredibly hard to choose, there was one pooch that seemed to belong with the kindhearted policeman. Coincidentally, it was the first dog Lillie pulled from the overcrowded property.

This is how Chunk got his forever home.

Lillie said:

He did turn out to be super special. He's like a cartoon—so unique and funny. His eyes are so expressive, and he's so animated and engaged in everything. If he wants your attention he's going to get it.

The officer continues to respond to animal abuse and neglect calls.

He commented:

I'm relentless, I'm going to make sure that animal who can't talk has a voice. I'm always going to be their advocate.

Sources used:

- Daily Paws: 'Officer Adopts Dog He Rescued From Shocking Hoarding Situation'

Read more:

⋙ 'It is tragic their pets died': 12 pets' lives claimed by a 'horror fire'

⋙ Heartbreak as dozens of dogs rescued in ‘one of the biggest animal welfare operations ever’ (VIDEO)

⋙ Animal inspector’s heartbreak as she finds a dying dog locked up in a filthy house