44 neglected dogs rescued from RV traveling through in Berks County

Dozens of neglected dogs are now safe after they were rescued from an RV in Berks County, Pennsylvania.

The Animal Rescue League of Berks County (ARL) said its humane police officers responded Thursday, October 16, 2025, to a call regarding an RV traveling through Reading with a large volume of dogs in unsanitary conditions.

When officers got to the location, they rescued a total of 44 dogs from the vehicle.  

Officials said the animals, small terrier-type dogs, were found very dirty and matted, and some were even trembling.

In coordination with the Pennsylvania SPCA, ARL said they were able to transfer 38 of the dogs overnight to PSPCA’s Chest Springs location, and the remaining 6 of them immediately went into foster care through the ARL.  

“While the ARL is fully equipped with the skilled personnel, facilities, and industry expertise to respond to cases like this at a moment’s notice, these situations are extremely taxing on our shelter and significantly disrupt the delicate system of our day-to-day operations,” said ARL’s CEO, Ashley Mikulsky. “We could not be more grateful to the Good Samaritan who alerted us to this case and to PSPCA for stepping in to help us at a moment’s notice. Yesterday would not have been possible without interagency collaboration and the support of our community which funds the ARL’s dedicated Department of Animal Protection.” 

Due to the influx of dogs, ARL is asking for the community’s help.

Officials are seeking people to adopt or foster animals to help free up space at their facility due to limited space. People are also encouraged to volunteer or donate to help the animals with their treatments, food, housing, and care.

For more information on ways you can help, visit berksarl.org.

An investigation into this case of neglect is still ongoing, ARL shared.