Children, elderly person, animals found living in ‘deplorable’ Youngstown home
Authorities discovered children and animals living in what they describe as “deplorable” conditions in a a home on Youngstown’s East Side.
The police report indicates that Children's Services was called to the Lansdowne Boulevard home on Monday, where they met with Adult Protective Services and humane agents from Animal Charity.
Reports state that children, an elderly individual, and several animals were found in the home strewn with trash and feces. The police report did not disclose the ages and number of children, or the age of the elderly person.
According to the police report, there were four juveniles ages 16, 15, seven and five living in the home.
The report describes conditions in the house as being so extreme that the odor made it difficult to stand in the doorway. Feces, urine and garbage was described to be inches thick on virtually every surface of the house and when the adults came outside, police describe the odor clinging to them, making it difficult to speak with them.
None of the children had been in school and no one inside had any idea when they may have last seen a doctor.
The youngest was still wearing diapers and police noted that when an adult changed them, they put a new one on without cleaning the child off. At one point, one of the children became agitated and ran into the woods without shoes.
Animal and human waste was so prevalent, police noted that it was running down the sides of the house from second story windows and that the refrigerator did not contain food, but did contain mold and what appeared to be feces.
Animal Charity described the living conditions as "deplorable," alleging neglect and abuse of the animals. The environment was reportedly so severe that the house was condemned, and doors had to be forced open due to a significant accumulation of feces and waste.
Jane MacMurchy of Animal Charity tells 21 News that humane agents also confiscated animals from an address in Struthers on Monday.
In all, 23 dogs, one cat, one bearded dragon, one snake, and two ferrets were collected from the two locations.
The rescued animals are currently under the care of Animal Charity, receiving treatment for various health issues, including wounds, malnutrition, dehydration, flea infestations, and a lack of proper care. Many of the animals were reportedly frightened upon rescue.
Animal Charity is now seeking public support to provide the necessary medical care for these animals. Donations can be made online at https://givebutter.com/UIfSfl.
The organization has also listed needed physical items, including blankets, specific dog collars and kennels, cleaning supplies, water buckets, soft treats, and floor dryers. Wish lists for toys and enrichment items are also available online. Donations of physical items can be sent to Animal Charity of Ohio at 8469 Southern Blvd, Building 3, Boardman Ohio 44512.
EDITOR’S NOTE: 21 News has shared two of Animal Charity’s photos. More images have been posted on their Facebook page. However, readers are cautioned that they may find those pictures upsetting.
