Bedford couple faces hundreds of charges in animal abuse case

BEDFORD COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — State police have filed hundreds of charges against a Bedford County couple in connection to an animal abuse case that resulted in over 90 dogs being rescued from a home around New Year's.

Troopers say in late December, police were contacted by an employee at the Banfield Pet Hospital in Maryland, who reportedly expressed concerns over several dogs that had been recently treated at the facility.

According to the affidavit, the employee reportedly told police that the dogs were "underweight and covered in feces and urine."

Police say the employee contacted the Bedford County Humane Society, who then instructed the veterinarian to contact authorities.

Upon further investigation, authorities say troopers visited the home, located along the 1000 block of Business Route 220 in Bedford County.

Troopers say a "strong odor of feces was emanating from the home" and police could hear the sound of a "large number of dogs" barking inside.

Police say they eventually made contact with the homeowners, identified as 62-year-old Renee Piper and 81-year-old Nyal Piper, who appeared "dirty and covered in feces."

Troopers noted that the couple also smelled strongly of "feces and ammonia."

Police say the Pipers initially told troopers that there were 15-16 dogs inside the residence, before changing their story and claiming that there were 60 dogs inside the home.

Troopers also noted that they observed several dogs in the backyard of the home, which were also "dirty and covered in feces," and added that one of the animals reportedly had "open wounds on its ears."

Investigators say troopers eventually searched the inside of the residence, where they observed multiple cages and more dirt and feces.

Police say troopers also found a dead, "decaying" dog and a dead pig in the first floor of the home.

Troopers say the upstairs portion of the home was in similar condition, with animal cages "stacked to the ceiling" and even more unsanitary conditions.

Police say another dead dog was found in a bedroom closet and no clean food or water was visible.

In total, police say 90 dogs, 8 cats and a turtle were rescued from the home.

Investigators add that four of the dogs had to be euthanized on scene, and a fifth dog was later put down at the Humane Society.

The atrocious and seemingly intentional mistreatment of these animals is difficult to grasp," said District Attorney Ashlan Clark, "We cannot erase the torture and neglect that these animals endured, but we can work to bring them the justice they deserve.

Authorities noted that only 9 of the 90 dogs were properly licensed.

According to online court records, the Pipers each face nearly 500 counts of various charges, including aggravated cruelty to animals-torture, neglect of animals and cruelty to animals.

“Animal cruelty is a crime of violence against extremely vulnerable victims," stated Clark, "Investigations like these can take time, There is a lot of information that needs to be collected and reviewed for the most appropriate charges to be filed. The State Police completed a thorough investigation into this matter to ensure an efficient and successful prosecution."

The Bedford County Humane Society, various local organizations and volunteers helped provide care for the animals in the aftermath of their rescue.

The Pipers were arraigned Friday morning and are each being held at the Bedford County Jail on $1 million bond.

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