Pennsylvania Siblings Face Charges After Police Discovered Hundreds of Rats inside a condemned home in Steelton Borough. The case matters beyond one house. Investigators say the property became a public health hazard for neighbors and first responders, with toxic ammonia levels, disease-carrying rodents, and serious fire risks.
Key Takeaways
- Jennifer Busch, 43, and Thomas Busch II, 37, each face 14 charges, including felony aggravated animal cruelty.
- Police found several hundred sewer rats, some the size of small cats, inside a Dauphin County home condemned since July 2025.
- Charges were filed June 3, 2026. Both siblings are awaiting preliminary hearings.
What Did Police Find Inside the Steelton Home?
Police found a severe rat infestation on April 15, 2026. Neighbors had reported a foul odor. Officers arrived to a pungent ammonia smell, swarms of flies, and black bags covering the windows. Officers initially feared a decomposing body was inside.
| Hazard Found | Details |
|---|---|
| Rat population | “Several hundred” rats, inside and outside |
| Animal waste | Extensive feces, urine, and nesting material |
| Air quality | Dangerously elevated ammonia levels |
| Dead rats | Carcasses in cages and a deep freezer |
| Fire risk | Rats chewing exposed wiring |
| Structural damage | Floors weakened by urine and ammonia |
| Outdoor spread | Rats under the back porch and in the yard |
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How Did the Case Unfold?
The timeline spans nearly a year. The condemned home sat on South Harrisburg Street, yet neighbors told police the siblings kept coming and going through the rear, carrying what looked like boxes of dog food.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 2025 | Home condemned by Steelton Borough |
| October 2025 | Second notice posted over rat infestation |
| April 15, 2026 | Police respond to odor complaint; siblings detained |
| April 18, 2026 | Jennifer Busch publicly accuses borough of an “illegal lockout” |
| June 3, 2026 | Animal cruelty charges filed |
| July 21, 2026 | Both await preliminary hearings |
What Did the Siblings Tell Investigators?
Jennifer Busch admitted she was caring for the rats, according to police. Here is what court documents say she told officers:
- Captured roughly 150 baby “street rats” herself
- Kept many of them in overcrowded cages
- Attempted DIY euthanasia using carbon dioxide
- Believed that method was safer than professional extermination
Investigators also say rats in cramped cages ate the bodies of rats that died inside them.
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What Charges Do the Busch Siblings Face?
Each sibling faces 14 counts. The most serious are felonies. Prosecutors must still prove each count in court.
| Charge | Classification |
|---|---|
| Aggravated cruelty to animals (torture) | Felony |
| Criminal trespass (break into structure) | Felony |
| Cruelty to animals | Misdemeanor |
| Neglect of animals | Misdemeanor |
| Recklessly endangering another person | Misdemeanor |
Why Are Sewer Rats a Public Health Hazard?
An animal cruelty officer identified the rodents as Norway rats (commonly called sewer rats). These are wild, undomesticated animals, not pet rats.
| Rat Fact | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Species | Norway rat, a wild urban rodent |
| Disease risk | Can spread illness to humans and pets |
| Size observed | Some “approximately the size of small cats” |
| Behavior | Gnaw wiring, burrow, breed rapidly |
Is There Another Side to This Story?
Jennifer Busch disputes how the borough acted. On April 18, she contacted a local TV station claiming officials cut power during a heat wave while dozens of caged animals remained trapped. She called herself a disabled resident denied access to feed them.
Our analysis suggests this claim will not erase the trespassing charge. The home had two condemnation notices on record before April.
What Does This Case Mean for Dauphin County Residents?
If you’ve been following animal cruelty cases in Pennsylvania, this won’t come as a surprise. Hoarding cases often start with good intentions and end with dangerous living conditions for animals and neighbors alike.
Here is what you can do if you suspect a similar situation nearby:
- Report persistent odors or pest activity to your borough code office
- Contact local police if a condemned property appears occupied
- Avoid handling wild rodents yourself
- Call a licensed pest control professional for infestations
Watch the Dauphin County court docket for the siblings’ preliminary hearing date, the next key step in this case.
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