Officer Warren Lillie’s focus has always been animal welfare. Lillie is frequently the first officer on the scene in incidents of animal abuse, neglect, and cruelty because of this, as well as his great understanding of animal care from his experience as a K-9 handler.
So it’s a good thing he was the first cop on the scene in one of the worst hoarding instances in Ross Township, Pennsylvania, just outside Pittsburgh. Lillie, a dog enthusiast since his childhood best buddy and his unrivaled bond with his K-9 companion years later, arrived at the house on September 11, 2019.
The conversation finally resulted in the addition of a new member to his household, a puppy named Chunk. But first, he had to do his work.
Lillie tells Daily Paws, “I was almost in shock, and I’m never shocked by anything I see.” I’ve been through gunshots, nearly been murdered, being pulled by automobiles… and I was astounded. The ammonia levels were so high that a human couldn’t have survived more than a few hours in there.
Lillie set right to work, saving as many animals as he could from the heinous neglect. Dogs were living in filth in a dirty living room, crammed shoulder to shoulder. Lillie was instrumental in saving 117 from the household. He worked his whole shift pulling dogs and hunting for more, even returning after being off duty to continue assisting throughout the 10- to 12-hour rescue. Even when encouraged to take a break, he persisted.
Lillie recalls, “I had to get a new oxygen tank like six times to keep going.” I couldn’t just stand by and watch.
Lillie stayed on the case even after all of the dogs were withdrawn, supervising the investigation and obtaining more physical evidence for prosecutors. This rescue even motivated Lillie to suggest an animal cruelty education program for animal abusers, which has subsequently been used in animal abuse cases.
Animal Friends, the compassionate group that coordinated the hoarder rescue, informed Lillie that they wanted to remember him by giving his family a puppy that had been rescued from the crammed home. Despite the fact that Lillie had no clue how he’d ever pick one to adopt—they were all so cute!—two different individuals informed him there was something special about a small herding dog named Chunk, who happened to be the first pup Lillie retrieved from the shelter.
Lillie describes him as “extraordinary.” He’s like a cartoon, so distinct and amusing. His eyes are really expressive, and he is extremely lively and involved in everything. He’ll catch your attention if he wants it.
Chunk “fell right in” with the family, including two other dogs called Boog and Ellie May, after a few months of working through habits and anxieties due to his time in the hoarder house, Lillie says, and stole their hearts. Meanwhile, Lillie continues to react to reports of animal cruelty and neglect. Even though the task might be difficult, he enjoys it.
Lillie says, “I can be their voice in these situations.” I’m tenacious; I’ll make sure that animal that can’t speak has a voice. I’ll always be their spokesman.