Additional charges possible for woman with more than 80 pigs on her property

A preliminary hearing was delayed Monday at the request of the prosecution, which is waiting to receive veterinary reports.

A district judge granted a continuance Monday in the public nuisance case against a Rostraver Township woman after prosecutors said they need more time to complete an investigation that could result in additional charges related to the conditions at her condemned property, where more than 80 pigs and dozens of other animals were removed.

Wendi Kraemer, who also goes by Wendi Garza, appeared before Magisterial District Judge John Christner for a scheduled preliminary hearing on a public nuisance charge filed by Rostraver Township police in June following the discovery of a severe rat infestation and unsanitary conditions at her property along Route 51.

Westmoreland County Assistant District Attorney Aubri Swank requested the continuance, telling Christner investigators are still awaiting veterinary reports involving the more than 80 pigs, along with numerous dogs and cats, rescued from the property during multiple searches in June.

“Considering the seriousness of how this has impacted the community and neighbors, the large amount of animals rescued from this property, we want to make sure we are going through the correct channels and that the investigation is complete,” Swank said.

Defense attorney Kelvin L. Morris objected to the request, noting he had his client had appeared with witnesses prepared to move forward.

“The charges were filed six weeks ago. There has been ample time to request a continuance,” Morris said.

Christner asked Swank to further explain why additional time was necessary.

Swank said investigators are waiting on veterinary reports that could determine whether animal neglect charges should also be filed.

“We are waiting on veterinary reports that could lead to charges of potential neglect,” Swank said. “The large amount of rats at the property have created concern if those animals are carrying any disease, which will also be confirmed or not by veterinary reports.”

“I find that to be reasonable,” Christner said before granting the continuance.

Morris renewed his objection, saying he rarely opposes a first continuance but wanted to avoid another delay if prosecutors were not prepared when the case is rescheduled.

“I don’t want to be in this same situation if this is continued only for them to ask for another continuance,” he said.

Although Swank requested a 30-day continuance, Christner instead postponed the hearing for approximately 45 to 60 days in an effort to avoid the need for another extension. A new hearing date has not yet been scheduled.

Kraemer was charged with public nuisance after Rostraver Township police executed a search warrant at her property following weeks of complaints from residents on nearby Adams Drive about rats spreading into the neighborhood.

Officers described finding “abhorrent” conditions, extensive filth and dozens of pigs confined in a small area. Township officials condemned the property shortly afterward.

Authorities later returned to the property with animal rescue organizations and removed more than 80 pigs, along with dozens of cats and several dogs. Police also found four dead cats, while several other animals required emergency veterinary care.

The township has since hired a pest control company to address the rat infestation, which officials said affected neighboring properties.

The public nuisance charge remains pending as the investigation continues, with prosecutors indicating additional charges are possible once veterinary reports are completed, including possible animal neglect.

Since the property was condemned, authorities and animal rescue organizations have removed more than 80 pigs, along with dozens of cats and several dogs. Pigsburgh Squealers Rescue took in the majority of the pigs, while Kindred Spirits Rescue Ranch accepted 10. One rescued sow later gave birth to six piglets, bringing the total number of pigs rescued from the property to 86.

Blue Martin, founder of Pigsburgh Squealers Rescue, previously estimated the rescue effort will cost more than $60,000, including about $6,500 for fencing and $12,000 for shelters and veterinary expenses.