Animal cruelty case under investigation in S.W. Philadelphia

Five severely starved and emaciated pit bulls were removed from a house in Southwest Philadelphia Thursday afternoon, Pennsylvania SPCA officials said. A 49-year-old man who is responsible for the dogs is now facing multiple counts of animal cruelty charges.

PSPCA Humane law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the house on Redfield Street near Chester Avenue and found starving dogs throughout the house. Authorities said some of the dogs were clinging to life when officers entered the residence.

One of the three female dogs found inside the house died shortly after being removed from the property, said Wendy Marano, PSPCA spokeswoman.

The dogs are now receiving intensive veterinary treatment at the PSPCA, headquartered on Erie Avenue near Whitaker.