A Seaford man has been arrested on animal cruelty charges after the Office of Animal Welfare’s Delaware Animal Services unit was called last week to investigate a case of animal abuse.
Donald Eilander has been arraigned on on 449 charges, including felony animal cruelty; he's currently out on bail.
An October 8 tip led the Delaware Animal Services personnel to Eilander’s home, where they found 32 severely neglected animals and 43 dead dogs. Thirty-one dogs and one cat were transported to an emergency veterinary hospital. One dog had to be euthanized and another died. The remaining animals continue to recover at the Brandywine Valley SPCA.
“The inhumane conditions that we found the animals in was absolutely appalling and is inexcusable,” said Mark Tobin, Chief of Delaware Animal Services. “It’s a miracle any of the animals survived, and we are grateful we could get there in time for those that needed help so desperately. Of the survivors, all but a few of the animals were severely emaciated and malnourished, and suffering from various other health concerns as a result of their neglect. Mostly small dog breeds, their fur was matted so badly they could not move."
The animals have since been groomed and are on a special feeding program. They will be placed up for adoption once they are fully recovered and medically cleared.
