26 Dogs Rescued from Ashland Home, Owner Cited

Authorities and staff members from Schuylkill County animal shelters rescued 26 Jack Russell mix dogs from a home in Ashland earlier this week.

The owner of the dogs, 62-year-old Judith Weihl, has been cited on several dog law violations.

According to information from Ashland Police Chief Ger Daley, State Dog Warden Rich Hine, who covers Schuylkill County, received a tip that a home on Walnut St. in the borough had a large amount of dogs.

The limit on the numbers of dogs allowed in Ashland is six. When Hine, Daley, and staff from Hillside SPCA and Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA arrived at 119 Walnut St. on Feb. 18, they found 26 dogs.

The dogs were seized and are now at both animal shelters in Schuylkill County. Three cats were also seized from the home.

According to Haley Weist, dog manager at Hillside SPCA, conditions in the home were filthy. She described the dogs rescued, at least the 10 being kept at that shelter, as being emaciated in appearance.

Hine has filed citations against Weihl at District Court in Frackville. She’s been charged with summary offenses for failing to obtain dog licenses, which carries a fine up to $500, failing to get rabies vaccines for the dogs, a fine up to $300, and operating an illegal kennel, which carries a fine of up to $1,000.

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