DHSS Press Release

Josette Manning, Secretary
DPH Media Relations Coordinator Contact:
Laura Matusheski
Email: DPHMedia@Delaware.gov

Date: August 20, 2024
DHSS-8-2024

BRIDGEVILLE COUPLE CHARGED WITH ANIMAL CRUELTY

DOVER, DEL. (August 20, 2024) - The Division of Public Health (DPH) Office of Animal Welfare's (OAW) Delaware Animal Services (DAS) announces the arrest of a man and woman after 20 dogs were rescued from a home in Bridgeville.

Ray Anderson, age 42, and Melissa Layton, age 40, of Bridgeville were arraigned Aug. 15. DAS charged Ander and Layton with five misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty neglect, six dog housing violations and 13 dog license violations. Both were released on their own recognizance.

On Aug.14, responding to an anonymous tip, DAS Animal Welfare Officers were dispatched to a home on Ida Lane in Bridgeville to check on the welfare of the dogs at a residence reported to be in poor condition. Upon arrival, officers found a dog lying unresponsive in the yard. The male dog was barely alive, extremely emaciated and missing most of its fur. The dog was rushed to a veterinarian, but his condition was so severe, he had to be euthanized.

DAS executed a search warrant and found 19 additional dogs of varying breeds and ages inside and outside of the property, including a nursing Boston Terrier with six puppies, five alive and one deceased. An additional puppy did not survive. Many of the dogs had severe skin issues and suffered from sarcoptic mange, a highly contagious infection caused by burrowing mites. Some were malnourished and underweight. Some were in cramped housing with restricted movement.

"All dogs suffered from varying levels of neglect," said DAS Chief Mark Tobin. "It is completely inexcusable to treat animals this way, and it is against the law. This incident serves as an important reminder of the urgent need for responsible pet ownership and the importance of reporting any suspected animal cruelty. The anonymous tip we received proved to be crucial in enabling us to intervene and save the lives of these dogs." All dogs were taken to Brandywine Valley SPCA where they are receiving medical treatment and care.

"We're grateful to the Office of Animal Welfare Delaware Animal Services Officers who rescued these dogs. No animal should be left to live like this, and our team has been working around the clock since these dogs came into our care," said Brandywine Valley SPCA CEO Adam Lamb. "For some, the path to recovery and rehabilitation will be longer, requiring weeks of medical treatment, but our dedicated team of staff and volunteers continue to work with all of the dogs to provide the medical care and rehabilitation they need until they are healthy and ready to put this life of cruelty behind them."

Reporting Animal Cruelty

If you are concerned about an animal's welfare and suspect cruelty or neglect, contact OAW's Delaware Animal Services immediately at 302-255-4646 or report online at animalservices.delaware.gov/report_violation/25.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation.

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

BRIDGEVILLE COUPLE CHARGED WITH ANIMAL CRUELTY

Delaware's Government