The founder and president of a nonprofit animal rescue has been arrested and charged with dozens of animal cruelty offenses after nearly 100 cats, dogs and other animals were seized in New Castle on Sept. 24.
New Castle County Code Enforcement and Delaware Animal Services conducted a joint investigation at the townhome of 39-year-old Mark Ptomey of Pet and Wildlife Sancutaries Inc. They found 49 cats, 42 dogs, and seven small animals “living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions,” according to an Oct. 1 Department of Health and Social Services news release.
Given the conditions, the home was condemned, according to the release.
“Several of the animals were found in severely poor health and immediately rushed to veterinary care,” the release said. “One cat was found unresponsive and subsequently died while en route to the veterinary hospital. Two additional cats and one dog had to be euthanized due to their grave medical conditions.”
The odor of ammonia filled the home, where pets were found in “cramped, filthy conditions” in stacked crates, the release said. Pet waste caked the walls, floor and cages of the “pest-filled” home, according to the release.
Outside, animals were living in kennels and cages in “various states of disrepair,” according to the state.
“Some animals lacked proper housing and shelter from the elements, while others were living in their own waste,” the release said.
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Animal welfare officers worked throughout the day to remove animals, transport them for care and collect evidence, according to information from the state.
“This individual betrayed the community and the animals that he claimed to protect,” said Delaware Animal Services Chief Mark Tobin in a statement. “Instead of providing a sanctuary for vulnerable pets, they were subjected to horrible neglect. We will work to hold him accountable so he cannot harm animals again.”
The animals are now in the care of Brandywine Valley SPCA, the state’s contracted animal shelter, where they are receiving medical evaluation and treatment, the release said, as well as appropriate food and shelter.
Ptomey was charged with 64 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty, 72 dog housing violations, 27 dog licensing violations, and 68 rabies vaccination violations. He was arraigned and released Oct. 1 on $231 unsecured bail and is prohibited from owning or possessing animals until the case is settled.
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If you are concerned about an animal’s welfare and suspect cruelty or neglect, contact Delaware Animal Services at (302) 255-4646 or make a report online at animalservices.delaware.gov.