SPCA raid uncovers 77 animals in Philadelphia home

A woman’s home in Northeast Philadelphia has been condemned after more than 70 animals animals were discovered inside yesterday.
The Pennsylvania SPCA had no idea what to expect when they were called to Paula Gibson’s home after receiving an anonymous tip about a strong smell coming from the property.

A woman’s home in Northeast Philadelphia has been condemned after more than 70 animals animals were discovered inside yesterday. WHYY’s Megan Pinto reports. [audio:100316MPANIMAL1.mp3]

The Pennsylvania SPCA had no idea what to expect when they were called to Paula Gibson’s home after receiving an anonymous tip about a strong smell coming from the property.

Inside, they found 77 animals – among them were cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, a turtle and a hamster living in rooms covered in urine and feces.

SPCA Spokesman George Bengal calls the conditions inside the self-proclaimed animal rescuer’s home deplorable.

Bengal: It’s hard to tell by how many animals you see on the outside. Once you make entries into these properties that’s  a lot of times you get very surprised by the sheer numbers. I mean every room in the house had animals stacked up along with trash and debris. So, I was kinda shocked to see that many come out of that small house.

The animals have all been taken to the Pennsylvania SPCA for medical evaluation.