Latest news with #ACCTPhilly
CBS News
2 days ago
- CBS News
Dozens of hens, chickens rescued from alleged cockfighting operation in Philadelphia, ACCT Philly says
Dozens of hens and chickens were rescued from an alleged cockfighting operation in Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood on Wednesday, ACCT Philly said. The animal care and service provider said there "clear signs" of cockfighting at the location where about 45 hens and chickens were discovered. Several roosters were "dressed" and prepped for fighting, according to ACCT Philly. "While we are not law enforcement and cannot speak to potential charges, we hope federal authorities will take this case seriously, as animal fighting often involves interstate transport and gambling," ACCT Philly said in a statement. It's unclear if Philadelphia police will file any charges in connection with the alleged cockfighting ring in Kensington. ACCT Philly said the hens will be sent to Last Chance Ranch, an animal rescue in Bucks County. ACCT Philly said it will try to find places for the healthy roosters to go, but the dressed roosters trained to fight will be euthanized.
Newsweek
01-08-2025
- General
- Newsweek
CCTV Captures Moment Critically Ill Puppies Are Dumped Outside Shelter
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Pennsylvania SPCA are seeking help after a box of severely ill puppies were abandoned outside the ACCT Philly shelter last week. Security footage captured from the shelter parking lot at approximately 2:15 p.m. on July 24 showed the moment two people pulled into the shelter's parking lot, leaving a box near the entrance before driving away. When staff looked inside the cardboard box, they were shocked by what was inside. It contained two six-to-eight-week-old puppies suffering from terrible wounds and covered in maggots. ACCT Philly contacted the Pennsylvania SPCA's Animal Law Enforcement team, and the puppies were transferred to the PSPCA's hospital immediately. The puppies were in a "critical" state when they arrived and were quickly rushed to get medical help. Gillian Kocher, director of public relations at the PSPCA, told Newsweek: "The puppies had open wounds, some necrotic and were infested with maggots throughout their bodies." Pictures from the security footage of the dog drop off. Pictures from the security footage of the dog drop off. Pennsylvania SPCA The puppies, believed to be shepherd or husky mixes, were transferred to the Pennsylvania SPCA's hospital. One required emergency care at an off-site facility but both are now showing signs of improvement. "The puppies are not anywhere near being ready for adoption. We are still doing everything we can do ensure they survive. That is our main focus at this time," Kocher said. "We do hope that when they are stable enough, they are able to go into foster care to continue their recovery." According to the 2024 Shelter Animals Count Annual Report, approximately 5.77 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues across the United States through community intakes, which excludes animals transferred from other organizations. Of these, about 60 percent, or roughly 3.46 million animals, were found as strays, making stray intake the leading cause of shelter entries. This included approximately 1.7 million stray dogs and 1.79 million stray cats. Currently, the Pennsylvania SPCA Animal Law Enforcement team are working to try and established the details around the case. In a post on Facebook, the SPCA urged anyone with any information to come forward in helping to identify the people who left the animals at the shelter, hoping to ensure no other animals are in danger, and learn more about where the puppies came from. "An investigation is underway which is why we are working to identify the individuals in question," Kocher said. Anyone with information about the individuals in the footage is asked to contact the Pennsylvania SPCA's Humane Law Enforcement cruelty hotline at 866-601-7722 or email cruelty@ Tips can be left anonymously.
CBS News
01-08-2025
- CBS News
Temple University Police rescue several pets from hot car in North Philadelphia
Last week, Temple University Police rescued several pets that were trapped inside a car in North Philadelphia after being alerted by a good Samaritan. Corinthia Johnson, who is also a neighborhood block captain, noticed seven dogs and a cat inside a parked car on 13th and Jefferson streets on a 90-plus degree day, so she called Temple police for help. "I was very concerned as I have dogs of my own and I wanted to make sure the dogs were OK," Arashdeep Bawa, a Temple police officer, said. When officers arrived, they were able to unlock the vehicle and take the animals to ACCT Philly. On Thursday afternoon, Johnson got the chance to meet and thank the officers who came to the rescue. "I am so thankful that Temple police showed up," Johnson said. Johnson said she's grateful for Temple police and all that they do. "They're my angels, and they always seem to show up," she said. "I appreciate Temple University, I really do." Some of the dogs and the cat taken to ACCT Philly need to be adopted. ACCT Philly said a pair of shih tzus need to be adopted together. Their names are Sky and Winter. The cat, named Sunny, also needs a home. Three dogs were taken to rescues, and two dogs have already been adopted.
CBS News
29-07-2025
- General
- CBS News
Philly shelters see more people surrender their pets due to financial hardship – but these programs can help
As inflation continues to rise, more families across Philadelphia are being forced to make a heartbreaking decision — surrendering their pets due to financial or housing hardship. According to ACCT Philly, nearly 40% of animals surrendered so far in 2025 were given up because their owners were facing eviction, homelessness, or couldn't afford vet care, food, or basic pet needs. "This isn't about neglect," said Sarah Barnett of ACCT Philly. "It's about survival. And many families are doing the best they can." Shelters like ACCT Philly are seeing a spike in pets being surrendered to the shelter. Here are some stats: Requests for help are coming not just from Philadelphia, but surrounding counties as well. Local organizations are stepping up with programs to help families keep their pets before surrender becomes the only option. Here are some places you can go to get help. Connects families with: This program can help with: Helps senior pets stay with their senior owners through medical support and care coordination. Website: Helps avoid shelter surrender by connecting pet owners directly with rescues. Website: Philadelphia's animal shelters are asking for public support as they face overcrowding and growing needs. Philly PAWS says its shelter is full and it can't take more animals until they have space. You can help by: • Fostering a pet short term • Donating supplies or funds • Sharing this information with families in need "These are pets people love — they just need a little help getting through a tough season," Barnett said. Need help or want to help? Visit or to get started.
CBS News
26-07-2025
- CBS News
Critically ill puppies left abandoned in a box at Philadelphia animal shelter
The Pennsylvania SPCA says two three-month-old puppies in "bad shape" were left outside a Philadelphia shelter on a hot afternoon, and now are searching for the people who dropped them off. Staff made the discovery around 2 p.m. Thursday at ACCT Philly's shelter on Hunting Park Avenue near Front Street. "The puppies unfortunately had wounds that were old, some that were necrotic already, as well as maggots throughout their bodies. So, in very bad shape," said Gillian Kocher, PSPCA's director of public relations. After the puppies were found in a box, calls were made to the PSPCA's animal law enforcement team, and the puppies were taken to the PSPCA's hospital. One dog remains there but another was transported to an emergency veterinary center. The puppies are believed to be a shepherd mix and about three months old, but their age is difficult to determine. PSPCA is now asking for the public's help locating two people seen on surveillance video turning into the parking lot and getting out of their vehicle with what appears to be a cardboard box, which they left behind. PSPCA says the video could assist in protecting other puppies potentially in harm's way, and to learn more about the puppies who were left behind. "The injuries that these puppies had didn't happen yesterday or the day before, it's something that's been going on for awhile, so if there are other puppies in this litter, it's possible they might also be heading in this direction," Kocher said. Anyone with information is asked to contact the PSPCA cruelty hotline at 866-801-7722 or email cruelty@
