A Mercer County man faces dozens of criminal charges of animal cruelty after authorities discover dead and malnourished domesticated animals on his property.

When police officers from the Mercer County Humane Society showed up on this property on Milburn Road, they found dead animals strewn all over.

"There were 17 ducks, 16 chickens, one dog, four goats. We had what were believed to be guinea pigs inside the residence that were deceased," said Paul Tobin, Humane Society police officer.

Neighbors told authorities they believe the owner vacated the residence about three months ago. Some tried to feed the animals the best they could since that time, but many could not be saved.

"With the cold weather, they probably froze, or obviously with the ones we took off the property, they were definitely malnourished," said Tobin.

The property owner, Philip Shaffer, 58, was arrested Tuesday afternoon. He faces a variety of criminal charges.

"Right now, he's looking at about 37 felonies for aggravated animal cruelty. There's a lot over 80 misdemeanors for various neglect," said Tobin.

The Humane Society was able to get most of the animals off the property and is expected to rescue the remaining fowl this week.
Shaffer is currently in the county jail, and his next court date is scheduled for March 24th.