What began as complaints about rats overrunning a Pennsylvania neighborhood quickly turned into the discovery of dozens of animals living in conditions police described as unsanitary and unsafe.
In a report for CBS Pittsburgh, Erika Stanish detailed how officers in Rostraver Township returned to a property that had already drawn attention because of a severe rat infestation. When police executed a search warrant, they said they found more than 50 pigs on the property, including several living inside the home itself.
The property, located off Route 51 near Adams Drive, had already been the focus of public concern after KDKA cameras captured video showing rats scurrying around the area. According to Stanish, that footage helped bring additional attention to complaints from nearby residents who said the rodent problem was spreading into the surrounding neighborhood.
What investigators found when they entered the property painted an even larger picture of the conditions neighbors had been dealing with.
More Than 50 Pigs Found on the Property
Reporting live from the scene, Stanish said humane officers were loading pigs one by one into trailers as part of a large-scale rescue operation.
According to Rostraver Township police, more than 50 pigs were found on the property. Some were reportedly being kept inside the home itself.
The property belongs to Wendi Kraemer, who police say operates an animal sanctuary there. Authorities condemned the home after what they described as unsanitary living conditions both inside and outside the residence.
A sign posted on the property declared the structure unsafe for human occupancy and prohibited anyone from living there after June 2.
Police photographs shared with KDKA showed pigs living inside the house along with clutter and debris throughout the property.
Sergeant Richard Beranek of the Rostraver Township Police Department said investigators documented “very poor conditions inside and outside the house” during the search.
“A lot of clutter, junk,” Beranek told Stanish.
Officers Describe Conditions Inside the House
One of the more striking details in Stanish’s report involved the conditions officers encountered once they entered the residence.
Beranek said the homeowner acknowledged that a pig had been inside the home and had urinated there the previous night. However, according to the sergeant, investigators found evidence suggesting the situation was not limited to a single incident.
“She admitted that the pig had been inside the night before and had urinated, but she said it was a one-time thing, but the conditions kind of were otherwise,” Beranek said.
Police also described what they encountered inside as a severe fly infestation.
According to Beranek, officers found problems involving potable water for the animals, raising additional concerns about animal welfare on the property.
The conditions were reportedly so overwhelming that some officers became physically ill while working inside the house.
“It just wasn’t a good situation. It was a hard one to take,” Beranek told CBS Pittsburgh.
He added that officers wanted to cover their faces because of the powerful odor inside.
“It smelled like ammonia pretty bad,” he said.
That detail alone gives some sense of the environment responders faced. Law enforcement officers deal with difficult situations regularly, but when conditions are severe enough to make trained personnel sick, it underscores just how serious investigators believed the situation had become.
Neighbors Say the Problem Had Been Growing
According to Stanish’s report, the investigation was initially driven by complaints from nearby residents who said rats from the property were spreading into their neighborhood.
Police believe a combination of trash accumulation and unsanitary conditions may have contributed to the rodent problem.
The rat infestation became highly visible after KDKA filmed dozens of rats moving around the property last week.
That footage sparked renewed attention and ultimately led police to pursue additional enforcement actions.
For many neighbors, the rescue operation represented a long-awaited response to an issue they say had been affecting their quality of life for some time.
Beranek said police understood the frustrations residents had been experiencing.
“We are doing everything we possibly can to make their lives better as they live here,” he said. “They shouldn’t have to deal with that.”
It’s difficult to overstate how quickly animal welfare concerns can become public health concerns when large numbers of animals are involved. Situations like this often affect not only the animals themselves but also surrounding homeowners who suddenly find themselves dealing with odors, insects, rodents, and sanitation issues.
Massive Animal Rescue Underway
By the time Stanish delivered her report, humane officers and police had returned to the property with another search warrant focused on rescuing animals.
The operation involved not only pigs but also dogs and cats that authorities said were found on the property.
Video from the scene showed trailers being filled with rescued pigs before being transported away. As one trailer left, another was brought in to continue the process.
Stanish described the rescue effort as an hours-long operation that remained active throughout the day.
Officials said the pigs would be transported to an animal rescue organization where they could receive care and evaluation.
Given the number of animals involved, the effort required significant coordination between police, humane officers, and animal welfare groups.
Removing dozens of animals from a single property is rarely a quick process. Each animal must be safely handled, transported, evaluated, and eventually placed in appropriate care facilities.
Charges Filed as Investigation Continues
According to Stanish, public nuisance charges have been filed against Kraemer.
Police also issued several citations connected to conditions on the property, including issues involving water and sewage service.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
While the immediate focus appeared to be rescuing animals and addressing health concerns, police indicated they are continuing to gather information about conditions at the site.
For now, the most visible sign of change is the steady stream of animals being removed from the property.
The story began with complaints about rats, but according to police, it ultimately revealed a much larger situation involving more than 50 pigs, additional animals, and living conditions severe enough to prompt the condemnation of the home. As humane officers continue relocating the animals and investigators move forward with their case, residents in the area are hoping the operation marks the beginning of a long-term solution to a problem that had grown impossible to ignore.
Ed spent his childhood in the backwoods of Maine, where harsh winters taught him the value of survival skills. With a background in bushcraft and off-grid living, Ed has honed his expertise in fire-making, hunting, and wild foraging. He writes from personal experience, sharing practical tips and hands-on techniques to thrive in any outdoor environment. Whether it’s primitive camping or full-scale survival, Ed’s advice is grounded in real-life challenges.
