Over 100 animals removed from Pennsylvania property

CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTXF) - Pennsylvania SPCA removed over 100 farm animals from a property in Centre County on Tuesday after concerns of overpopulation.

Chickens, sheep, goats and horses, were among the animals extracted from the Aaronsburg residence.

The property owner, Jahjah Melhem, is no stranger to the Pennsylvania SPCA. Nearly a year ago they searched the "Heaven on Earth Rescue," which Melhem owned.

During their search they seized 30 animals, including two blind Alaskan malamute dogs covered in burrs, three goats unable to stand and many malnourished animals.

The PSPCA returned to Heaven on Earth Shelter, and one adjourning property, throughout the year and seized additional animals.

Malhem was eventually evicted and the shelter was closed, but he was able to take the remaining animals with him to the Aaronsburg property.

In August, a judge ordered Melhem to reduce his number of animals below 100, and awarded SPCA with inspection rights.

On Tuesday, Melhem had still had not to complied with the court's orders which allowed the SPCA to remove the animals.

"After visiting the many properties of Melhem over the past year, the one constant has been the concerns for the welfare of the animals in his care," said Nicole Wilson, the PSPCA's Director of Humane Law Enforcement.

Melhem currently has 47 criminal charges pending, including 2 felony charges. He was arraigned yesterday, and released on $5,000 bail.

Anyone with information about this case can call the Pennyslvania SPCA's cruelty hotline at 866-601-SPCA.