MARK T. PTOMEY, founder and president of Pets and Wildlife Sanctuaries, arrested after ninety-eight animals were rescued from his home out of which he operated an animal rescue

- Delaware, USA -

Forty-nine cats, forty-two dogs, and seven small animals were found living in horrible conditions in a home in New Castle where 39-year-old MARK T. PTOMEY (pictured), operated the animal rescue Pets and Wildlife Sanctuaries, Inc.

According to the press release by the Delaware Division of Public Health, on September 24, 2025, a search warrant was executed at the home as part of an investigation that Delaware Animal Services conducted jointly with New Castle County Code Enforcement.

All of the animals “were found living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions,” stated the release.

The release went on to say: “Inside the residence, a strong ammonia odor from excessive animal waste filled the air. Pets were found in cramped, filthy conditions with crates stacked throughout the home among trash and clutter. Pet waste caked the floors, walls, and cages in the pest-infested residence.”

In the yard, officials found cages and kennels containing cats and dogs “in various states of disrepair.” As stated in the release, some of the animals lacked proper housing and shelter from the elements, while others “were living in their own waste.”

As per the press release, animal welfare officers worked throughout the day to remove animals, transport them for care, and collect evidence.

PTOMEY was placed under arrest and charged with sixty-four misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, seventy-two dog housing violations, twenty-seven dog licensing violations, and sixty-eight rabies vaccination violations.

PTOMEY was arraigned on October 1, 2025, and released on a ridiculous $231 unsecured bail. He is prohibited from “owning” or “possessing” animals until the case is adjudicated.

The home was condemned by New Castle Code Enforcement due to the deplorable conditions it was in.

Brandywine Valley SPCA advised through a Facebook post that they have taken in all the ninety-eight innocent souls who were removed from PTOMEY’s home and said: “Each is being evaluated and already, our team is treating some of the animals for open wounds, skin conditions, eye and ear infections, and is evaluating them for other issues.”

The shelter desperately needs help to face this new hardship. If you wish and can afford to help out, please, click here. Thank you!

###

Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Delaware Division of Public Health. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

Pictures shared from Delaware Division of Public Health and Brandywine Valley SPCA

For more animal cruelty stories, please click here. Thank you!