Animals covered in feces found on farm, owner arrested
HAMILTON » A Pennsylvania man who owns a 14acre farm in Hamilton was arrested after officials found ducks and pigs covered in feces, along with chickens infected with disease on his property.
Henry Guzikowski Jr., of Yardley, Pa., was charged with animal cruelty last week after officials from the newly-formed Humane Law Enforcement Unit found 38 Runner Ducks in one coop covered in approximately six inches of feces. Two of the ducks were deceased when detectives searched the property, according to the county prosecutor’s office.
Officials say another coop contained approximately 54 chickens, all of which appeared to be infected with disease. One of the chickens had severe growths on its feet, prosecutors say, and another was deceased.
Detectives found another 12 chickens inside an abandoned house on the Uncle Pete’s Road property, five of which were dead. Another chicken actually died while officials were securing the property, prosecutors say.
Police also found nine pigs covered in feces in a garage on the property. While investigators were working, officials say, a 500-pound hog escaped and roamed a nearby neighborhood. Officials lured the hog back with food and secured it in a pen.
Guzikowski, 54, is charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty. He was released from police custody pending future court proceedings and served with a court order prohibiting him from adding or removing any animals at his property for 30 days.
Officials say Mercer County has a historic preservation easement for the house on the property, which required Guzikowski to maintain, preserve and protect its historic character. Officials are investigating any potential violations of the legal agreement.
Officials say local agencies secured all of the live animals in makeshift pens and gave them food, water and shelter. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture tested all of the ducks and chickens for various diseases and homes are still needed for many of the rescued animals.
Anyone interested in fostering or adopting any of the animals should contact Sgt. Eric Hastings at ehastings@mercercounty. org or 609-989-6063.