March 3 – A Murrysville woman is being charged with animal cruelty after 101 dead reptiles and 76 other barely alive reptiles were seized from her home in December, according to court documents.
Nearly 1,200 charges were filed Wednesday against Susan McHale, 60, by humane agents from All But Furgotten Rescue.
They were tipped off by an animal hospital in December after McHale brought numerous sick and injured reptiles there between June and December, sometimes once or twice a week. Many of the animals suffered broken bones, necrotic limbs and infections, according to court documents.
On December 7, McHale brought two severely dehydrated reptiles, one of which had an eye infection, to the animal hospital. Officers caught up with her at a Seneca Court home and saw the animals.
“…they didn’t move, and they appeared to be brown when they should have been green. One of the reptiles appeared unable to open its eyes,” the indictment said.
Authorities later found out that McHale lives in a house on Old William Penn Highway. When it was searched Dec. 13 with the help of the Murrysville Police Department, investigators found deplorable conditions, the smell of decay and numerous reptiles without proper lighting, heat, water or food, according to court documents.
The reptiles were housed in plastic containers and terrariums stacked on top of each other in an upstairs room, authorities said.
Of the 76 barely alive reptiles seized, 22 died of malnutrition, dehydration and poor housing. According to authorities, there are five bearded dragons, ten green iguanas and two leopard geckos.
McHale had no attorney listed in online court records. The felony, misdemeanor and summary charges, including aggravated cruelty and neglect, were sent by subpoena. Legal action has not been instituted.
Renatta Signorini is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Renatta via email at [email protected] or via Twitter.
