UNIONTOWN, Pa. -- A Uniontown couple has agreed to give up all of its pets after facing animal cruelty charges in the deaths of four chinchillas and 17 turtles and tortoises.

Humane officers raided the Connellsville Street home of Martin Betchy and Heidi Kerin in March and said they found the animals living in squalid, deadly conditions.

Officers said the home was used for breeding dogs and other animals, but added that they found as many dead animals as live ones.

They removed 17 live dogs, two live turtles and a live bird, but also found dead turtles and chinchillas.

The Fayette County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said it hoped to eventually adopt the dogs.

The SPCA said it sought a search warrant for the home after complaints about it and the owners ignored a series of posted warnings.

In addition to giving up the pets, the couple's deal with the SPCA calls for them to pay $4,254 in court costs and restitution.

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