Pa. brothers guilty in Chihuahua hoarding case

MILLVILLE, Pa. (AP) - Two brothers accused in one of the worst cases of animal hoarding in Pennsylvania history have pleaded guilty to animal cruelty less than a month after 185 Chihuahuas were seized from their home.

Thomas and Albert Ambrosia of Benton pleaded guilty earlier this week to two counts each of cruelty and a dog law violation, according to Columbia County court records.

Thomas Ambrosia, 59, said it was difficult for them to enter a plea since they "treated the dogs like our boys and girls." But he told the Press Enterprise of Bloomsburg they wanted "to get this behind us."

Veterinarians who checked the Chihuahuas - plus two other dogs that were also removed from the residence - found no serious health issues, only minor eye, teeth and skin problems, and officials say they apparently came from a loving home.

Acting on multiple tips, state dog wardens and state troopers executed a search warrant last month. They found the corpses of 30 Chihuahuas in a freezer, but the dogs apparently died of natural causes.

State law requires anyone who keeps, transfers or boards more than 25 dogs to obtain a kennel license and be inspected annually. Dogs also are required to have dog licenses and rabies vaccinations.

Ambrosia said they applied multiple times for a kennel permit, but had been denied. He said he and his 54-year-old brother still have 10 older dogs.

The brothers were fined more than $500 as part of their guilty pleas. One cruelty count involved neglect of a male coonhound with an open sore on its leg, and the other involved a long-haired Chihuahua with large mats in its hair.