Smyrna Man Charged After 19 Dogs Rescued from Inhumane Living Conditions
DOVER, DEL. (June 15, 2026) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) Office of Animal Welfare’s (OAW) Delaware Animal Services (DAS) announced the arrest of a Smyrna man after 19 dogs were rescued from his home where they were living in inhumane conditions. Robert J. O’Neill, age 57, has been charged with 19 misdemeanor […]
President of Delaware Animal Rescue Charged With Animal Cruelty
The Division of Public Health’s Office of Animal Welfare’s (OAW) Delaware Animal Services (DAS) announced the arrest of a man after 98 animals, including 49 cats, 42 dogs, and seven small animals, were seized from a townhome in New Castle where the owner operated an animal rescue. Mark Ptomey, age 39, of New Castle was […]
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 […]
Rep. Kimberly Williams and Sen. Jack Walsh Honor the Office of Animal Welfare with a Tribute for 10 Years of Service
On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, the Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) was recognized by the 152nd General Assembly, with House Concurrent Resolution 81 sponsored by Rep. Kimberly Williams, (D-19), and Sen. Jack Walsh, (D-9). November 2023 marked 10 years since the OAW was established under the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH). The OAW is […]
DPH’s Office of Animal Welfare Announces 2 Arrests in Connection with Lewes Dog Cruelty Case; 14 More Dogs Rescued
Delaware Animal Services (DAS), the enforcement unit within the Office of Animal Welfare, announces the arrest of a man and a woman involved in an animal cruelty case. On Aug. 25, 2023, Delaware State Police (DSP) Troop 7 received a tip from a concerned citizen that Dillon Hensey, age 32, and his wife, Chelsie Puckett, age 33, were seen […]
