‘Unimaginable suffering’ Man Accused of Using Scissors To DIY Amputate Dog’s Leg

Editor’s note: This story contains graphic content that may be disturbing to some readers.

In a deeply disturbing case out of Pennsylvania, a man is facing serious animal cruelty charges after authorities say he amputated his dog’s injured leg with scissors instead of seeking proper veterinary care.

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The Pennsylvania SPCA, in coordination with Lancaster County Detectives and the Pennsylvania State Police, executed an arrest warrant for 61-year-old Stephen Stoltzfus of Kirkwood on June 2, 2025. The charges stem from a horrifying incident involving his dog, a Labradoodle-type named Kimber, who had sustained a severe leg injury.According to investigators, the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Animal Law Enforcement team launched an investigation after receiving a tip about a dog injured by farm equipment at a property on Pumping Station Road in Kirkwood. The complainant alleged that Stoltzfus had declined to get veterinary assistance for the dog, instead opting to perform a crude and agonizing amputation on the animal using scissors.

When officers responded to the property on May 9, 2025, they found Kimber in a dire state. Blood-stained and suffering, the dog was missing part of her left hind leg, with bone visibly exposed. The condition was so severe that the SPCA immediately transported her to their Main Line Animal Rescue site for emergency medical attention.

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Medical staff determined that Kimber had endured “unimaginable suffering.” In addition to the traumatic injury, she showed signs of severe blood loss, anemia, and flea and tick infestations. Her fur was matted with dried blood, and the smell of infection was overwhelming.

Julie Klim, CEO of the Pennsylvania SPCA, spoke out strongly: “Kimber endured unimaginable suffering that no animal should ever experience. To deny a critically injured animal veterinary care and then perform an amputation with scissors represents a complete abandonment of basic compassion and responsibility.”

Nicole Wilson, Director of Animal Law Enforcement, echoed that sentiment. “Beyond the physical amputation, Kimber endured days of pain while in a life-threatening condition. The failure to provide appropriate medical care following a traumatic injury demonstrates a fundamental disregard for the animal in question.”

Stoltzfus is facing three counts of animal cruelty, including two felony charges for the intentional infliction of torture and failure to provide necessary care, as well as a misdemeanor for reckless ill-treatment. Authorities say the actions taken by Stoltzfus not only prolonged Kimber’s suffering but placed her life at continued risk.

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In response to the charges, a judge ordered all remaining dogs on Stoltzfus’ property to be placed into protective custody under the care of the Pennsylvania SPCA as a condition of his bail. These animals will now be evaluated and monitored to ensure they receive appropriate care.

The Pennsylvania SPCA is urging anyone with additional information about this case or other potential abuse to call their Cruelty Hotline at (866) 601-SPCA. Anonymous tips are welcomed.

While Kimber’s road to recovery is ongoing, she is now receiving the medical treatment, compassion, and safety she was previously denied. Her story serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the critical role of animal welfare enforcement.

Editor’s note: This story contains graphic content that may be disturbing to some readers:

This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.