TURTLE CREEK, Pa. (KDKA) -- A Turtle Creek man faces lengthy criminal charges for alleged starvation and abandonment of more than a dozen animals.
Animal Friends investigators told KDKA-TV's Meghan Schiller they found nearly 20 distressed, trapped and helpless animals in a home along Maple Street.
"There were a total of 19 animals in the house, and when our officers arrived, 10 of them were already dead," said Animal Friends' Cody Hoellerman.
A woman called Animal Friends and said that Isaac Deitt had just been arrested on other charges and was concerned about animals instead.
Hoellerman said the concerned neighbor's worst fears were realized when humane officials from Animal Friends intervened.
“There were four cats and two dogs that were returned to Animal Friends. But among the dead animals were two tarantulas, four turtles, two lizards, a chinchilla and a second snake that died in the house.
Hoellerman said Deitt faces 82 charges, including only misdemeanors and no felonies. Without an autopsy, investigators could not bring more serious charges.
"Unfortunately, we believe the animals in the house are dead, probably have been dead for a while because the condition of their bodies was so bad that we couldn't send them for dissection," Hoellermans said.
According to Hoellerman, the most difficult find inside was a highly venomous and aggressive snake native to Southeast Asia.
“The cobra uniform was probably the most interesting part of this case because we were able to communicate with the keepers at the Pittsburgh Zoo. They helped ensure that everyone, animals and people, was safe and that the fence we were using was secure. And finally, this cobra was transported to the Boston Zoo, where it can now live happily ever after."
All animals found alive in the home have now been adopted.
According to Hoellerman, this case underscores the importance of alert and vigilant neighbors in his community, because this concerned neighbor saved some of these animals from starvation.
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