Police: 'Tortured and deceased' animals found at Chester County home

AVONDALE, Pa. - Police are investigating after a welfare check at a Chester County home led to the discovery of numerous deceased and tortured animals.

Around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, troopers responded to the 100 block of Street Road in Upper Oxford Township for a welfare check of children playing in the roadway.

When officers responded to the scene they encountered two young children playing on the property, both of whom had black eyes. 

Police then walked further onto the property and observed several animals, both alive and dead, outside of the home. Investigators then secured the residence and obtained a search warrant. 

Once inside the home, police found more abused animals, and the SPCA was called in to assist. 

A total of 25 animals were removed from the home alive, including cats, dogs, a pig, a bearded dragon, and a snake. Officials say one python is considered missing and believed to still be inside the home. 

The dead animals included dogs, cats, a chicken, and a large pig weighing approximately 200 pounds. The deceased animals were found in various states of decay.

During a press conference Wednesday afternoon, authorities said they found evidence that some of the deceased animals had been tortured. 

The animal cruelty investigation is ongoing and charges are pending. The Brandywine Valley SPCA will be caring for the surviving animals during the investigation. 

Investigators also said the basement of the home was covered in four inches of raw sewage, and the rest of the home was deplorable. Officials are working to have the house condemned. 

Anyone who witnesses acts of animal cruelty is encouraged to call the PSPCA’s Cruelty Hotline at 866-601-7722. Animal cruelty can also be reported by filling out the BVSPCA online form here.

Those interested in donating to the BVSPCA can do so here.