ADAMS COUNTY, P.A. — In a shocking Chihuahua neglect case, Pennsylvania State Police and the Adams County SPCA have rescued 63 Chihuahuas from deplorable conditions inside a single residence in Straban Township. The home, located on Old Harrisburg Road and occupied by Ray and Stephanie Derita and their 15-year-old son, was discovered in an extreme state of squalor, exemplifying the seriousness of animal neglect in our communities.
A House of Horror for the Tiny Dogs
This Chihuahua neglect case has raised significant awareness about the importance of animal welfare and the legal repercussions faced by those who neglect their pets.
Authorities who entered the home were met with unimaginable filth—urine and feces coated the floors so thoroughly that it was impossible to step anywhere without stepping in waste. Some areas had several inches of accumulated feces and urine, leaving the air inside thick with the stench of neglect. The Chihuahuas, ranging from just three weeks to eight years old, lived in squalid conditions, with no food or water in sight.
The sheer number of dogs indicated a classic case of animal hoarding, a psychological disorder where pet owners become overwhelmed but are unable to stop accumulating animals. While hoarders often believe they are helping the animals, the reality is that the pets suffer immensely due to lack of proper care, overcrowding, malnutrition, and disease.
This case mirrors previous Chihuahua neglect cases seen across the country. In 2024, nearly 100 Chihuahuas were rescued from a hoarding situation in Socorro, New Mexico, where they had been breeding unchecked in a small home. Similarly, 3 months ago, Animal Control in Jacksonville, Florida removed 130 Chihuahuas living in horrible conditions. Due to their small size, Chihuahuas are often at the center of hoarding cases, as people mistakenly believe they require less space and care than larger breeds.
A Desperate Rescue Effort
When questioned, Ray Derita admitted that the situation had spiraled out of control, explaining that “they just keep having puppies.” He initially estimated there were about 37 dogs in the home but soon realized the number was much higher.
On Friday, February 7th, the Adams County SPCA, alongside law enforcement, began the painstaking process of removing 51 of the dogs. The conditions inside the home were so extreme that some dogs had become entangled in furniture. In one of the most disturbing discoveries, rescue workers found 15 puppies trapped inside a urine-soaked box spring, requiring them to cut the mattress apart to free them. Other dogs were wedged between couch cushions, hidden under furniture, and crawling over each other to escape the filth.
One Chihuahua was discovered in critical condition—stuck between two couch cushions, wrapped in a blanket under a flip-down drink holder. She was suffering from constant seizures, emaciated, dehydrated, and infested with bugs. Despite being rushed to a veterinary hospital, she was too far gone and had to be humanely euthanized.
While the Adams County SPCA successfully removed the majority of the dogs, 12 remained inside the home after Mr. Derita changed his mind and refused to surrender them. Authorities had no choice but to leave those dogs behind temporarily. However, after Derita’s court arraignment on February 10th, a judge ordered the surrender of all 63 dogs, allowing the SPCA to return and rescue the remaining animals.
Rehabilitation Will Take Time
Now in the care of the Adams County SPCA, these dogs face a long and difficult journey toward recovery. All of them are severely unsocialized, having never been outside, touched grass, or felt sunlight. Many are fearful of human interaction, and some are so terrified that they resort to biting when approached.
Beyond the emotional trauma, many of the rescued dogs are suffering from severe malnutrition and medical issues. Several are dangerously underweight, and a majority of the females are pregnant—some as young as seven months old. Additionally, all of the dogs are infested with parasites and require extensive veterinary care before they can be considered for adoption.
Due to the severity of their condition, the Adams County SPCA has temporarily closed to the public. To prevent additional stress, volunteers are not allowed to interact with the Chihuahuas at this stage, as many are still too fearful to handle basic human contact. Shelter staff, despite suffering multiple bites while feeding and cleaning, are working tirelessly to provide the dogs with food, medical care, and stability.
Community Support Needed
With this being the largest single-residence animal rescue in the SPCA’s 49-year history, the shelter is relying on public donations to help care for the dogs. Items needed include:
- Towels (bath & beach)
- Thin fleece blankets
- Washcloths & flat sheets
- Bleach
- Purina One Skin & Coat Formula dog food
Physical donations can be left at the SPCA’s front door, and monetary contributions can be made via their website.
Adoptions Will Take Time
At this time, the Chihuahuas are NOT up for adoption, and the rehabilitation process will take months. Some of the younger dogs are more outgoing and will likely be ready for adoption sooner, but the majority will require significant socialization and medical care before they can find new homes.
The Adams County SPCA encourages those interested in adopting in the future to stay updated via their website and Facebook page, where available animals will be listed once they are ready.
“This is a difficult and heartbreaking situation, but we are committed to giving these dogs the care and love they deserve,” the Adams County SPCA stated. “We deeply appreciate the patience and support of the community as we work to help these animals heal.”
For updates on their condition and future adoption availability, follow the Adams County SPCA Facebook page and website.
if those dogs pictured are what you described in the article, then you’re lying. they look healthy
@brendamiller, let try and be kind before barking that the dogs are fine. You should refer to the video attached that show just a clip of the horror they went through. I hope you find the time to review that. Blessed day