CARRICK, Pa. -- John Regelman, of Carrick, was found guilty Thursday on several counts of animal cruelty.

Allegheny County Humane Society officers found several dead animals in Regelman's pet store, Cobra's Den in July 2005.

The judge found Regelman guilty of eight counts of neglecting animals and ordered him to pay a fine of $930.

Outside the courtroom, Regelman had nothing to say about the incident.

But inside, he told the judge he was on vacation and a friend was supposed to be caring for his animals.

Humane Society officers said they got an anonymous complaint in July and rushed to the pet shop on Brownsville Road.

When the officers arrived, they found three rats, a guinea pig and a python snake dead and other animals in bad shape with no food or water.

Humane Society Officer Kathy Hecker said the conditions were horrible. She said the shop was a mess and smelled like dead animals.

Hecker said the shop was so hot the animals might have baked to death.

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Hecker testified that Regelman has a history of neglecting animals.

In 1990, she said, Regelman pleaded guilty to animal cruelty in Beaver County and was sentenced to jail time and ordered to not have animals for 10 years.

In court, Regelman said he didn't recall that case, even though officers showed him a plea agreement signed by him.

Humane Society officers said they were pleased with the judge's decision.

Officers said the animals they rescued are now thriving.

Officials said during the hearing, Regelman told the judge that he is through with animals.