About 30 cats, one severely emaciated dog and a turtle were rescued Saturday from a condemned home in Tamaqua.

“The dog was skin and bones. It was locked in a crate for days,” explained Amy Paules of the Tamaqua Area Animal Rescue, the all-volunteer group that assisted with the rescue.

Paules said a concerned resident contacted Tamaqua Borough Police about the animals left behind in the home.

“It was a situation where the resident was being evicted or in the process of being evicted. Water to the home was turned off Tuesday or Wednesday,” and the animals were without any food, water or care until Saturday’s rescue, Paules said.

Tamaqua police and rescue volunteers met at the home, where Paules described conditions as “very bad.”

When rescuers opened the dog’s crate, it immediately relieved itself.

“Imagine trying to hold it for that long,” Paules said.

When the dog defecated, she said, its feces was filled with worms.

The canine, named Harley, is now in the care of Hillside SPCA near Pottsville.

As for the cats, a kitten was taken to a regional urgent care center. It was so sickly that it had to be euthanized.

The other 30, Paules said, “are so friendly and nice.”

When volunteers gave them food, Paules said, they rushed to it.

“The cats were drinking water for about five minutes straight. It was a long time before they had anything,” she noted.

Paules explained that the cats are being housed at the home until they can be adopted or fostered.

“Nobody (area animal shelters) has have any room for them. None are accepting any cats,” she said.

The felines are in desperate need of homes, and can be adopted by contacting the Tamaqua Area Animal Rescue. For the most part, they appear healthy.

“They all seem to have nice temperaments,” Paules said.

A red ear slider turtle was rescued from the home. Its shell, Paules said, was covered in slime and its tank was filthy.

Thankfully, she said, an experienced turtle owner has taken it in.

The organization thanked Tamaqua police and another volunteer for their assistance.

Since the small group relies solely on donations, it asking the public for its help. Information on adopting animals and how to donate are listed on the Tamaqua Area Animal Rescue’s Facebook page or can be made via PayPal at Tamaqua Rescue @ Tamaqua AAR or mailed to 345 E. Union St., Tamaqua, PA 18252.