Bucks Co. SPCA Wins Custody Of Cats In Doylestown Hoarding Case

LAHASKA, PA — In what the Bucks County SPCA describes as a "major win for the animals," the organization has won custody of 141 cats and kittens that were rescued in May from a Doylestown property. More than 50 of them still need homes.

The animals were found in "overcrowded" and "filthy" conditions in a townhouse; 59 cats were also found dead in the home. All of the living cats were in need of immediate medical attention. Some underwent emergency surgery by BCSPCA veterinarians.

The BCSPCA was initially able to negotiate surrender of some of the cats but the owner, Lori Romanisko, would not give up nearly half of the animals. As a result, the BCSPCA filed a civil action against Romanisko under Pennsylvania’s Costs of Care Act to expedite adoption of the cats.

Unreimbursed costs to the BCSPCA had grown to $57,543 by the time of the Aug. 26 ruling. Romanisko failed to pay the ordered costs; therefore, ownership of the cats was automatically transferred to the BCSPCA.

The District Attorney’s has office filed criminal animal cruelty charges against Romanisko, which remain pending.

As of Oct. 7, 90 of the rescued cats and kittens have been adopted with another 54 available now or in the near future from BCSPCA shelters in Lahaska and Quakertown.

"About 20 of the remaining cats will be adopted out as working cats, meaning they are better suited for active lifestyles in a barn, greenhouse or similar setting in need of natural rodent control," the BCSPCA said in an announcement.

Adoption donations for working cats are waived through Oct. 31 and a Working Cat Adoption Event is scheduled for noon-3:00 on Oct. 12 and 13 at both BCSPCA locations.

“The importance of this ruling cannot be overstated,” Executive Director Linda Reider said in a. “While we may never see a dollar of this judgement, we are thrilled that these resilient cats who languished so long in horrendous conditions can now live free of pain and suffering in homes of their own. We ask our community to step forward now and adopt these deserving cats.”

Pro bono counselors Joann Lytle, Ashley Turner and Allison Morrissey of McCarter & English, LLP, filed the civil action.

"Our firm is privileged to represent the Bucks County SPCA in animal cruelty cases like this one, and we admire the hard work and dedication of the Bucks County SPCA staff, who rescue animals from unspeakable conditions and give them an opportunity for a better life," Lytle said.