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Shocking Discovery: 14-Year-Old Boy Found Living in ‘Deplorable’ Home with 80 Animals

In a disturbing incident in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, authorities recently uncovered a horrifying living condition for a 14-year-old boy. The boy was found cohabiting with nearly 80 animals, including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, a dove, a ferret, and a chinchilla, in a house that can only be described as “deplorable.” The child’s parents, James and Kathleen Chaney, now face charges of endangering the welfare of a child and multiple counts of animal cruelty.

The shocking discovery was made in August when police and humane officers responded to a call regarding the Chaneys’ residence. Upon entering the property, they were greeted by a scene of utter horror. Animal rescue workers were forced to remove 46 dogs, 23 cats, five guinea pigs, a dove, a ferret, and a chinchilla from the home due to the appalling conditions.

Appalling Living Conditions

Cassie Wilson, a volunteer humane officer from the non-profit rescue group All but Furgotten, recounted the nightmarish scene she encountered. Outside the house, animals were seen living in filth. As Wilson ventured inside, she was met with an interior coated in urine, feces, and fly traps filled with dead flies. The stench was overpowering, leaving everyone in complete shock.

The 14-year-old boy, known only as “LC,” was present in the home during the investigation. According to a police officer and a child service caseworker, LC appeared nervous, with disheveled hair and clothes. He emitted a strong odor of urine and feces, indicating the dire living conditions he endured.

Parents’ Negligence

Kathleen Chaney, the mother of LC, allegedly claimed responsibility for him and stated that she and her husband, James Chaney, cared for the animals on the property. However, it was revealed that James resided in another town, and when the police called to serve the search warrant, Kathleen, who was at work, refused to return home.

The home’s conditions were beyond deplorable. Cobwebs, mold, and waste covered every room, prompting one officer to leave multiple times due to the overwhelming smell of urine. Shockingly, the house lacked running water and safe food for the 14-year-old boy, further highlighting the extent of his parents’ negligence.

Rescue Operation and Animal Treatment

A joint effort by animal welfare organizations conducted a rescue operation that took several hours. More animals were found both inside and outside the home, adding to the already shocking discovery. Police uncovered the rotting carcass of a long-dead dog and multiple dead animals within the residence.

Jenn Johnson, president of Ninth Life Rescue Center, who was involved in the rescue, described the distressing scene. She mentioned finding a deceased dog in the bathroom and dead chickens in an outdoor pen. The surviving animals were in critical condition, with some suffering from various medical issues. These issues included a dog with a needle in its belly and another with a ruptured uterus.

The 14-year-old boy was swiftly removed from the home and placed in temporary housing, ensuring his safety and well-being. Meanwhile, most of the surviving animals received much-needed medical treatment and were prepared for adoption, giving them a chance at a better life.

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