Kimber the dog who's leg was cut off with scissors.

By Jillian Pikora From Daily Voice

A Lancaster County man is accused of cutting off his dog’s leg with scissors and denying her medical care for days, the Pennsylvania SPCA announced on Tuesday, June 3.

Stephen L. Stoltzfus, 45, of Kirkwood, was arrested by the Pennsylvania SPCA Animal Law Enforcement team in coordination with Lancaster County Detectives and Pennsylvania State Police on Monday, June 2.

He has been charged with two Felony counts of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals and one Misdemeanor count of Cruelty to Animals in connection with the abuse of his 4-year-old labradoodle-type dog, Kimber.

Stoltzfus allegedly told officers that Kimber was injured by a hay machine blade at his home on the 800 block of Pumping Station Road and that he amputated the rest of her damaged leg himself using scissors. He repeatedly refused to bring her to a veterinary clinic despite being urged to do so by staff concerned about the risk of infection.

When officers arrived on May 9, they found Kimber with blood-soaked fur, her hind leg partially amputated and bone visibly exposed. She was also suffering from severe anemia, mild thrombocytopenia due to blood loss, flea and tick infestations, and blood matting, according to the PSPCA’s medical team.

She was immediately transported to the Main Line Animal Rescue site for emergency care.

“Kimber endured unimaginable suffering that no animal should ever experience,” said Julie Klim, CEO of the Pennsylvania SPCA. “To deny a critically injured animal veterinary care and then perform an amputation with scissors represents a complete abandonment of basic compassion and responsibility.”
“Beyond the physical amputation, Kimber endured days of pain while in a life-threatening condition,” added Nicole Wilson, Director of Animal Law Enforcement and Shelter Services. “We are committed to ensuring full prosecution under the applicable law.”

Stoltzfus was granted $10,000 unsecured bail during a preliminary arraignment before Judge William Mankin. As a condition of bail, the judge ordered all remaining animals on the property—including six large dogs and eight puppies—to be placed into protective custody under the care of the PSPCA.

The organization also thanked Anicell Bio Tech for donating advanced stem cell wraps to aid Kimber’s healing:

“We are incredibly grateful to Anicell Bio Tech for their generous donation of stem cell wraps for two of our most critical medical cases—Chancey and Kimber,” the PSPCA said. “This gift is nothing short of remarkable.”

Anyone with information about this case or other incidents of animal cruelty is urged to call the PSPCA’s Cruelty Hotline at (866) 601-SPCA. Anonymous tips are accepted.