WEST HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A Lancaster County couple faces felony animal cruelty charges after investigators said they discovered nearly 100 neglected animals living in filthy, ammonia-filled conditions inside a West Hempfield Township home where a teenager also resided.
Jessica Lynn Drexler, 44, and Andrew S. Culp, 42, were each charged with 146 offenses, including two felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, after authorities removed 93 animals from their home in the 700 block of High Ridge Road.
According to court documents and investigators with the Pennsylvania SPCA, the animals — including dogs, cats and rabbits — were allegedly found living among piles of feces, pooled urine and severe overcrowding conditions during the execution of a search warrant in late April.
The case has intensified scrutiny because prosecutors previously charged both defendants with child endangerment offenses connected to conditions inside the same residence involving a 16-year-old boy.
Investigators Found Dogs Zip-Tied Inside Crates
Pennsylvania SPCA Officer Jennifer Nields, who filed the charges, described disturbing conditions throughout the home.
Authorities said some dogs were confined inside crates that had been zip-tied shut, while other animals suffered from severe matting, hair loss and visible neglect.
Investigators reported many dogs had feces caked onto their fur and appeared terrified and severely under-socialized when officers attempted to remove them from the property.
According to investigators, the animals were so difficult to corral that law enforcement requested assistance from the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office to help remove them all safely.
The residence itself allegedly contained widespread accumulations of animal waste, with urine and fecal matter throughout the home.
An HVAC technician who first alerted authorities reportedly told investigators he became physically ill after entering the garage because of the overpowering odor.
The technician also reported high ammonia concentrations inside a bedroom along with flying insects throughout the residence.
Key Points
• A West Hempfield Township couple faces 146 charges tied to alleged abuse of 93 animals
• Investigators found dogs zip-tied inside crates and animals living among feces and urine
• The defendants previously faced child endangerment charges tied to the same home
Couple Allegedly Lacked Veterinary Care for Animals
During interviews with investigators, authorities said Culp admitted not all of the animals had names and acknowledged the couple did not use a veterinarian for care.
Instead, investigators said he claimed the couple purchased vaccinations for the dogs themselves.
The allegations paint a picture of long-term neglect involving dozens of animals kept inside overcrowded conditions without proper sanitation or medical oversight.
Animal cruelty investigations involving large-scale hoarding cases often require coordinated responses because of the number of animals needing emergency housing, medical treatment and behavioral evaluation after removal.
Defendants Remain Free Pending Court Proceedings
Judge Miles Bixler set unsecured bail at $25,000 for both Drexler and Culp during preliminary arraignment proceedings Friday morning.
Court records show both defendants remain free under the conditions of their release.
As part of the bail restrictions, neither defendant is permitted to obtain or possess animals while the criminal case proceeds.
Authorities emphasized that all charges remain allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
