FORWARD TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- Humane officers investigated a case of animal abuse in Forward Township Thursday.

More than 70 cats, dogs, birds, guinea pigs and more were found living in deplorable conditions.

But then Action News found out something very different about this case.

First, the home was billed as an animal shelter.

And also, one of the people living there has written several books on the proper care of dogs.

The rescue crew from Animal Friends couldn't believe it.

More than 70 animals living in an awful way, constantly crated for what looked like years.

"It was dark, it was dingy. They never got out. It's just sad to think of animals locked up in a cage like that year after year," said Kathy Hecker of Animal Friends.

One of the men living here has written several books on caring for dogs.

They say of all people, Jim Willis should have known better.

He'd been staying in the home for six weeks, and defended the homeowners.

"The people involved here had no bad intentions whatsoever," said Willis.

But Willis admitted recognizing a problem with the living conditions.

"Deplorable, frankly. The family who kept them both worked. They had a young child. They were gone long hours per day and the animals were not living in good circumstances," noted Willis.

The homeowner, Steven Schmidt, faces charges and so do his wife, Erin, and son-in-law.

Ironically, they claimed to be running an animal rescue group.

But instead, the animals needed to be rescued.

Now, the animals are at Animal Friends getting the care they need.

As for Willis, Kathy Hecker said he had lived there six weeks and had a responsibility to report the conditions.

Because he didn't, she said, he'll face charges too.

Four dogs and 11 cats have been adopted so far.

If you are interested in adopting one of the pets, call (412) 566-2103.