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Rabbits, Dogs, Pig Found Dead, Python Remains Missing From 'Deplorable' Chester County Home, Police Say

AVONDALE, Pa. (CBS) – Authorities are investigating after numerous animals were found tortured and dead on a property in Upper Oxford Township, Chester County. Pennsylvania State Police say the animals were discovered shortly before 10:30 p.m. on the 100 block of Street Road on Tuesday.

Six animals were found dead, while 23 others were discovered alive. A python is still missing and numerous other animals were discovered buried on the property, according to police.

Among the animals found alive are three cats, six kittens, one pig, eight dogs, one snake, one tarantula spider, two rats and one bearded dragon.

Two rabbits, two dogs, one chicken and one large pig were found dead, police say.

LIVE: Pennsylvania State Police give update into investigation after numerous tortured and dead animals were found on a property in Upper Oxford Township, Chester County. https://cbsloc.al/2IpH3UJ

Posted by CBS Philly on Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Pennsylvania State Police made the discovery Tuesday night responding to a welfare check of children after a driver found the children walking along Street Road. The driver told police the children appeared to be abused.

Upon arriving on the scene, police say they encountered adults and children playing along the road.

Two children had black eyes and officers observed dead animals on the property. That led to a search warrant.

Officials say the home is no stranger to police.

"Another active child abuse investigation, a child abuse investigation, I can't go into many details about that," Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Robert Kirby.

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Authorities described the conditions inside the house as deplorable with four inches of sewage found in the basement as well as numerous bugs, maggots, fleas and flies and feces and urine throughout.

"No child, no adult, no animal should be living in that house," Kirby said.

Officials are waiting for the Chester County Health Department to arrive with the hopes of having the house condemned.

There are two investigations going on at this point – one on animal cruelty, another on child abuse.

No charges have been made at this time.

The children are currently staying with their grandparents.

CBS3's Crystal Cranmore contributed to this report.

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