The 17 dogs, two birds and turtle rescued from a property in Coaldale Monday are in the care of veterinarians in the Philadelphia area and will eventually be available for adoption, according to the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA).

The PSPCA said it appeared that the animals had been suffering for some time,.

All were found in severe stages of neglect after the PSPCA’s Animal Law Enforcement team, Pennsylvania State Police and Coaldale police executed a search warrant Monday afternoon on Bull Run Street.

Law enforcement seized 15 Great Pyrenees-type dogs, 2 collie-type dogs, a turtle and 2 birds from the property.

According to the PSPCA, Coaldale police received a tip from a Good Samaritan regarding dogs at the property in poor health, including seeing dogs in the yard with little hair and appearing underweight. Based on the provided information, a search warrant was received and executed on Monday afternoon.

PSPCA officers found the dogs suffering from severe skin conditions, many with little or no hair on their bodies. Additionally, several were suffering from open wounds, believed to be the result of sarcoptic mange. The dogs were of varying body conditions, including those that were very underweight.

The dogs, as well as all birds and a turtle in the home, were immediately removed from the property over concerns for lack of veterinary care and poor sanitation.

The animals were taken to the PSPCA’s Philadelphia headquarters and Main Line Animal Rescue site to undergo forensic examinations and to be cared for by the organizations’ medical teams.

All of the animals were surrendered to the Pennsylvania SPCA by the owner, who had been identified as a 69 year-old female.

After medical examinations and treatment, the animals will be in search of new, loving forever families, the PSPCA said.

“The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a Great Pyrenees is their beautiful, fluffy white coats,” said Julie Klim, chief executive officer of the Pennsylvania SPCA. “But the dogs rescued yesterday are a stark contrast; instead of white fur, there was red, itchy, rough, bloody skin. This didn’t happen overnight, and sadly these animals have been suffering for some time. We take solace in the fact that they are safe now, and beginning their journey to learning how pets are meant to be treated.”

The investigation into animal cruelty and neglect is ongoing, and charges are pending the conclusion of the investigation.

Anyone with information about this case, or other cases involving animal cruelty, is urged to call the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Cruelty Hotline at (866) 601-SPCA. Tips can be left anonymously.

-Jill Whalen