A woman is facing charges after police say she neglected a dog so severely that it died.
According to a criminal complaint, an anonymous caller reported a case of animal neglect at a house on the 300 block of Emerson Street in Vandergrift Borough.
Responding officers reported finding a small white dog lying on the porch. An officer noted its rib cage, hips and spinal bones were visibly protruding.
The officer said there was no food, water or shelter near the dog. Another dog was also visible, but appeared to be in better health.
Neighbors told the officer the homeowner had not been home for two to three days.
After receiving a search warrant, the officers took the dogs to veterinarians for immediate help.
The less healthy dog was later identified by the owner as “Hunter.” Police said he has several medical ailments, including non-regenerative anemia, renal disease and Lyme disease. Despite efforts to save him, Hunter had to be euthanized.
“The evidence further establishes that Hunter suffered severe prolonged pain, serious bodily injury, and ultimately a medical condition so severe that despite emergency veterinary intervention following his removal from the residence, humane euthanasia was elected,” an officer wrote in an affidavit.
Police said Cynthia R. Dollman was one of the two occupants at the house. She is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, neglect of animals, cruelty to animals and several other citations.
No other charges have been filed at this time.
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