Hundreds of pigeons along with other animals have been rescued from a house of horrors.
Nearly 400 birds along with cats, rats, and mice were found in the property.
Concerns had been raised about hoarding and cruelty, authorities said.
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Initially, reports suggested around 200 pigeons were found inside the home.
But that was later increased to nearly 400.
A dozen of the birds will have to be euthanized.
They were found in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, as reported by Need To Know.
Staff from the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center were called out.
They were at the home for hours, clearing the animals out in crates.
Janine Tancredi, executive director of Pocono Wildlife, described it as absolutely horrific.
She said it was the worst case of animal abuse she’d ever seen.
And that numerous birds were found dead or injured, suffering from missing or broken legs, missing beaks, and other wounds.
Many of the birds were also starved.
Tancredi said the surviving animals were taken to the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center for medical evaluation and treatment.
A number of local rescue groups and veterinarians were involved.
Tancredi confirmed that at least one person was living in the home with the birds.
A neighbour was reported as saying the odour was often unbearable and said it had been a problem in the neighbourhood for at least a decade.
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