Erin Beth Wiggle, of Worcester. (Credit: Erin Beth Wiggle/Facebook)
Authorities say dozens of animals were emaciated, injured, or dead in the aftermath of the May blaze at House of Wiggle Goats in Worcester Township
Two Montgomery County animal rescue owners who gained public sympathy and raised tens of thousands of dollars after a devastating barn fire are now facing felony animal cruelty charges following a police investigation into the aftermath of the blaze.
Erin Beth Wiggle, 46, of Worcester Township, and her husband, Michael C. Wiggle, 52, were each charged Wednesday by Montgomery County Animal Control with four felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals via torture, along with five misdemeanor counts each of animal neglect for lack of sustenance and for failing to provide veterinary care.
The charges stem from allegations of long-term neglect at the nonprofit rescue and sanctuary she operated, House of Wiggle Goats, located on Weber Road.
According to CBS Philadelphia and an affidavit of probable cause filed by a Pennsylvania SPCA officer, the investigation began May 30 — two days after a fire destroyed a historic barn on the property and killed an estimated 40 animals. In the days following the fire, multiple rescue organizations and volunteers visited the property to assist with surviving animals and reported signs of serious neglect.
Investigators said they observed extremely thin and emaciated goats and pigs, including one goat rated 1 out of 5 on a standard body condition scale, with 1 indicating severe emaciation. Photos provided to police reportedly showed visible bones protruding from animals’ bodies, and officers said some animals had been seen eating the remains of deceased animals to survive.
“There were numerous animals that didn’t die in the fire that were observed to be injured, skinny, and eating deceased animal remains,” the affidavit stated. “These conditions were not consistent with conditions resulting from a fire.”
Police said several animals were seized during the investigation due to a lack of appropriate veterinary care. Witness accounts from multiple animal welfare groups — including Revolution Philadelphia, Philly Bully Team, and Eastern Snouts Adoption and Rehoming — detailed unsanitary conditions, overcrowding, and the absence of proper food, water, or shelter.
In social media posts shared after the fire, Wiggle claimed the blaze was caused by a mouse nest behind the electrical breaker box and that no foul play was suspected. She and her husband, Michael, posted video updates thanking the community and confirming insurance coverage would help rebuild.
A GoFundMe campaign raised more than $68,000 following the tragedy, according to public records and nonprofit watchdogs.
Nemo the goat following the fire, posted July 19, 2025. (Credit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-house-of-wiggles-animal-care-post-barn-fire?attribution_id=sl:12f04d40-fef5-40ae-acbc-4f3eb6093e68〈=en_US&ts=1748446226&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp13_c-amp14_c-amp15_c&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&v=amp14_c)Erin Wiggle is a former U.S. Army military police officer who served from 1998 to 2002. She has not yet entered a plea in the case, and no court date has been publicly listed as of Thursday.
Officials have not confirmed whether additional animals remain on the property. Some groups have called for a complete seizure of all remaining livestock in light of the charges via Facebook, posting pictures of alleged neglect on the property.
Anyone with concerns about animal welfare at House of Wiggle Goats is urged to contact Montgomery County Animal Control or the PSPCA.
Erin Wiggle declined to comment until speaking with an attorney. No attorney information was available on the docket for either defendant. The House of Wiggle Goat Farm page was pulled from Facebook on Thursday.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
Editor's Note: This story was updated to reflect charges against Michael Wiggle.
