Delaware County dog rescue president speaks out after being accused of animal cruelty

begin here at 4 30 with the animal cruelty charges now filed against the owner of an animal rescue group in Delaware County. The Pennsylvania S. P. D. A. Says it all began with a group of sick puppies. Action News reporter Brianna Gallagher is live in media now to explain Brianna Maggie Bryant. We spoke with the owner of rags to riches rescue. She's addressing allegations made against her. She's facing several animal cruelty charges related to the death of several puppies. Since January 1st, we've been having a lot of issues with them with a lot of citations, mostly records. I have kept everything. Leticia Mayo is the president of rags to riches rescue. She's now facing charges for failing to provide necessary vet care to five puppies brought in from out of state. These dogs did receive professional vet care. We did seek out a veterinarian to help us in the assist with the case. According to the criminal complaint, the rescue was placed on quarantine on January 29 due to a dog at the rescue with a highly contagious virus known as parvo treated and we have had illnesses in the past. Unfortunately, this one just got the better of us. Mayo took us into the shelter, showed us how they care for their animals and where their dogs are held for two weeks for quarantine period. The criminal complaint states a dog was adopted at six weeks and six days, which is less than eight weeks. State law. They were not adopted at seven. They came in at seven. On April 29th, a cease and desist was filed against the rescue. Eight state dog wardens have, they shut us down. They would not let us save any lives. So we've proceeded to move to Delaware. Well, they aren't allowed to take in any new animals. A separate criminal complaint states that puppies were available for adoption through Facebook. Volunteers say his family oriented and they need support from their community. We do this because we love it. And if there was something going on, we would see it right. We would know that these animals aren't weren't taking care. We haven't had any problems, blemishes. Our reputation stands for itself. Now, Mayo says they're in the process of relocating their facilities to Delaware. She is due back in court for a preliminary hearing in July. We're in media. Brianna Gallagher, Channel six Action News Maggie. All right, we'll stay on top of this case, Brianna. Thank you.