WILSON, N.Y. — The Niagara SPCA posted an update on several animals rescued from a house Thursday in the Town of Wilson. "All veterinary examinations were completed yesterday," the SPCA posted on its Facebook page.
Veterinarians suggest holding several of the animals to "make sure everyone is gaining weight" before placing them in foster care with experienced keepers.
The Niagara County Sheriff's Office responded Thursday to a home in "deplorable condition" during a welfare check. When deputies arrived at the house on Randall Road, they found dead goats, pigs, cows, and chickens. Deputies also found animal feces and trash inside the home.
'A mite infestation and abrasions'
The SPCA says, "24 of the 33 poultry and fowl were found to have a body score of 1 out of 5 (emaciated). One of the geese has bumblefoot and will require surgery next week. The turkey has facial swelling that we suspect might be Mycoplasma. She is being treated with an antibiotic and has been separated from all other birds with a pending PCR and a culture. The turkey also has a mite infestation and abrasions on her body, likely from entering and exiting the coop."
Other animals rescued from the home included pigs treated for mange, underweight snakes, a ferret, and two St. Bernard dogs described as thin with stained fur. A Redbone Coonhound and two Pit Bull Terriers are being treated for bite wounds and weight loss.
Niagara County Child Protective Services removed two children from the house and placed them in the care of other family members. Robert W. Wilcox, 23, and Alexandrea M. Mann, 20, both of Wilson, face two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. They were released on appearance tickets.
The SPCA says cruelty charges remain pending as investigators assess all medical findings.