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The Pennsylvania Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ officers recovered 22 seriously ill and six deceased felines from a West Passyunk woman’s home Sunday.
Stephanie Simkin, 59, is believed to have arrived at the organization’s veterinary clinic, 350 E. Erie Ave., with a pet carrier, Wendy Marano, the organization’s spokeswoman, said. She allegedly told employees she had a few cats for whom she could not afford medical care. The staff members soon discovered six cats inside the carrier in poor health.
“All of them were very sick and emaciated and in extremely poor condition,” Marano said.
The staff suspected she was hoarding animals at her residence, Marano said. After obtaining a search warrant, authorities allegedely discovered dozens of cats at about 5:20 p.m. Sunday.
The organization obtained a second search warrant 3 p.m. yesterday to get any remaining cats. Due the condition of the home and the cats not being social, officers were not able to recover all of the animals, but did leave food and water for the remaining cats.
“It was terrible,” Marano said of the home’s condition. “It was filled ceiling to floor with debris. Officers had to walk over a piano that they didn’t even know was in there. … That’s why we weren’t able to get all of the cats initially.”
An arrest warrant has been issued for Simkin. Authorities expected to charge her with multiple counts of animal cruelty.
To report information, call South Detectives’ tip line at 215-685-1635 or visit www.phillypolice.com/forms.
Contact Managing Editor Amanda L. Snyder at asnyder@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.
Also in this week’s Police Report:
Alleged killer nabbed
Teen gunned down
BB gunfire
Underground armed robbery
Fugitive arrested for slaying
Evicted and beaten
1st District gatherings
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