Woman Faces Charges After Animals Seized From Home

Some of the cats who were removed. Credit: Bucks County SPCA

Charges have been filed against a woman after law enforcement discovered 40 cats and three dogs living in what officials described as “squalid conditions” inside her Hulmeville Borough home.

Barbara Allen, 55, was charged last week with 18 misdemeanor and 64 summary offenses related to animal neglect, according to court papers filed by Bucks County SPCA police.

The investigation began May 10 when authorities received a tip about a strong odor of cat urine emanating from Allen’s residence in the 900 block of Bellevue Avenue and a suspected large number of cats, court papers stated.

SPCA officials made contact with Allen, and after several conversations and a rescheduled appointment, an officer was permitted to inspect the property on May 21.

As she entered the home, the official encountered a smell of ammonia and cat urine that burned their throat and eyes, court papers states.

The living room was cluttered with boxes, and several cats were observed. One domestic long-hair cat was noted to be missing significant fur, with scabby skin and live fleas, authorities said.

Dogs were found in crates in the dining room, SPCA police said.

One of the dogs that was removed. Credit: Bucks County SPCA

The floors throughout the home were covered with a layer of dried feces, and a large number of flies were present. A sticky film, consistent with dried cat urine, coated the walls and other surfaces, SPCA police said.

Many cats from the home showed signs of upper respiratory infections, including runny noses and eyes, SPCA police said.

While most animals appeared to be of good weight, large amounts of cat food were found on kitchen counters and tables, authorities said.

Allen agreed to surrender the animals for medical and flea treatment.

On May 22, SPCA officials removed three dogs and 36 cats from the residence.

Due to the home’s condition and the cats’ ability to hide in walls and hard-to-access basement areas, additional cats have been removed.

As of last week, four more cats were surrendered, which brought the total number of rescued animals to 43, SPCA police said.

All animals were taken to the SPCA shelter for examination by a staff veterinarian.

The three dogs had various medical issues. Of the 40 cats initially examined, 16 had multiple severe medical issues requiring immediate veterinary care, including live fleas, skin irritations, missing hair, scabbing, ear infections, upper respiratory infections, eye infections, matted hair, nasal/lung congestion, discharge, and mouth ulcers. An additional 20 cats had less severe medical issues, such as fleas, skin irritation, scabbing, ear debris, and nasal or eye discharge, SPCA police said.

SPCA officials reported that the animals needing medical treatment have shown improvement or full resolution of their conditions with treatment and a clean environment.

SPCA police reported in court papers that 39 animals had not received necessary veterinary care and that all 43 animals were living in unsanitary conditions.

SPCA officials urged the public to report suspected animal mistreatment by calling the confidential tip line at 844-SPCA-TIP (844-772-2847) or emailing reportcruelty@buckscountyspca.org.

Editor’s Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The story was compiled using information from police and public court documents.

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