dog Cruelty Case in Lancaster Township

Lancaster Township police are investigating a case of animal cruelty involving ten large dogs living in a townhouse with four adults. Investigators say teh number of animals and the conditions they were found in make this case particularly disturbing.

In April, neighbors reported a dead dog in the backyard of a home on Sterling Place. When police investigated,they found one dog deceased and nine others suffering from malnourishment,dehydration,and neglect.

The dogs’ owner, Osvaldo Coelho Mendoza, faces multiple animal cruelty charges. Two of his roommates also face animal neglect charges.

One of the dogs required a leg amputation due to a broken leg. Others had bite wounds, mite infestations, and were severely underweight.A neighbor stated that even providing some food isn’t enough if you can’t properly care for the animals, suggesting finding someone else to help is a better option.

The SPCA has found new homes for all nine dogs. A neighbor with a similar-sized home said their space isn’t large enough to house ten dogs.

As a condition of his bail, Coelho Mendoza was ordered not to own any more animals. Though, he has violated this condition twice. Police have seized two additional dogs, which the SPCA has also rehomed.

Publication date: 2025/09/10 00:32:51