One very small kitten led to the rescue of nearly 40 animals last week in Coatesville, according to the Brandywine Valley SPCA.
A one-month-old kitten that weighed 1 pound was brought to Animal Protective Services Officers as they were responding to a report of a stray dog. The kitten, since named Roo, had an infected, severed front leg that was wrapped in duct tape, the SPCA said. When officers went to arrest a suspect on animal cruelty charges, they found 38 animals including a dog, turtle and rabbit all living in dire conditions.
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The SPCA said officers also found a deceased kitten on the premises, and the home has since been condemned.
"One tiny maimed kitten may have saved dozens of animals, who are now counting on us," the Brandywine SPCA wrote in a Facebook post.
One tiny maimed kitten may have saved dozens of animals, who are now counting on us.
A 1-month-old kitten we are…
Posted by Brandywine Valley SPCA on Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Roo was rushed to the SPCA's West Chester campus where the medical team amputated the rest of her leg to stop the infection, which they said saved her life. Some of the other animals had infected eyes, untreated wounds or upper respiratory infections, according to the Brandywine Valley SPCA.
The suspect has been charged with one felony count of aggravated cruelty and two misdemeanor counts for cruelty and neglect in Roo's case, the SPCA said. Dozens of other charges are pending. The person's name has not been released.
The animals will be available for adoption once they've been treated and medically cleared. In the meantime, the Brandywine Valley SPCA is asking for donations to assist with the animals' medical care.
