Soiled Floors, Darkness: Inside The Broomall Home Where 45 Dogs Were Hoarded In Squalor

BROOMALL, PA — A Broomall woman was charged Thursday with over 200 counts of animal cruelty and neglect after authorities say she left 45 small dogs and puppies in filthy conditions.

The dogs were rescued last week from a home on the 200 block of 1st Avenue. Inside, rescuers found dozens of dogs who were matted, frightened and suffering from severe medical issues.

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The floors were completely soiled, according to Brandywine Valley SPCA, whose humane officers investigated the case.

All of the dogs will be assessed, spayed or neutered, and given time to prepare for adoption, the Brandywine Valley SPCA says.

Mary Lacey, 67, was charged by complaint with:

• 10 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals causing serious injury or death (third-degree felony)
• 45 counts of animal cruelty (second-degree misdemeanor)
• 145 counts of animal neglect related to lack of veterinary care, food and water, and adequate shelter (third-degree misdemeanor)
• 33 counts of failing to get rabies vaccination (summary offense)

Lacey has been "doing this kind of thing" for multiple decades — but nothing to this scale, according to Marple Township Police Chief Brandon Graeff.

"She's been dealt with by code enforcement at Marple for having a few dozen dogs on and off," Graeff told Patch.

On Friday, Brandywine Valley SPCA officers executed a search warrant on Lacey's house. She no longer owns the property, which has been condemned.

Inside, there were no lights, and the floors were soiled, according to the SPCA. Marple Police and local firefighters helped with the rescue, which required setting up emergency lights in the darkness.

Rescuers pulled nearly 50 dogs from the filth, including a nursing mom and her six newborn puppies, authorities said. They were brought to Brandywine Valley SPCA's West Chester facility, where some of them required emergency-spay surgery for life-threatening infections.

Lacey was in the hospital during the rescue, officials said.

Officers returned to the house on Wednesday because she was trespassing on the new homeowner's property, according to police documents Patch obtained.

Because of the home's conditions, police called in the Broomall Fire Company to check for Lacey inside. They found her immediately, and she walked outside without incident, officials said.

The home's doors and a broken window were secured, police said. Lacey was advised that if she returns, she'll be criminally charged.

Lacey didn't have a listed attorney in online court records on Thursday, and Patch's efforts to contact her were unsuccessful.

The dogs will soon be up for adoption at multiple Brandywine Valley SPCA locations, including their Everyday Adoption Center at the PetSmart on 2100 Chemical Rd. in Plymouth Meeting.

Local PetSmart salon stylists gave the dogs some grooming and pampering on Wednesday.

Brandywine Valley SPCA is seeking donations for the dogs' continued care. Click here to donate.