Two people in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, were arrested earlier this month in connection with the deaths of two dogs found dumped in the trash. Pennsylvania State Police revealed trash collectors made the upsetting discovery.
Pennsylvania State Police charge 2 after dead dogs found during trash collection
WGAL 8 News reported that on Thursday, Feb. 1, Pennsylvania State Police responded to reports of deceased dogs lying in trash in Williamstown Borough. Valley Waste Solutions employees found the bodies during their usual trash collection routine and contacted authorities.
In a statement, police said: “The dogs appeared emaciated, neglected, and malnourished.” Police also confirmed “the dogs were transported to the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory where an autopsy will be conducted on both dogs.” The ages and breeds of the deceased dogs haven’t been disclosed to the public.
Reports say authorities canvassed the neighborhood extensively, interviewing multiple people in an effort to find the person or persons behind the dogs’ deaths. They were able to locate two suspects, identified as 41-year-old Chyna McCrary and Andrew Welsh, aged 32.
Both were placed in custody and charged with felony aggravated cruelty to animals and animal neglect. This is in accordance with Sec. 5534 and Sec. 5532 of Pennsylvania Consolidated Cruelty Statutes.
Under Pennsylvania Law, a person commits aggravated animal cruelty if they torture an animal, neglect the animal, and cause serious bodily injury that results in the death of the animal. Aggravated animal cruelty is considered a third-degree felony.
On the other hand, Pennsylvania law defines animal neglect as failure to provide an animal with basic needs “to which the person has a duty of care, whether belonging to himself or otherwise.” These basic needs include food and water, veterinary care, and access to clean and sanitary shelter. Shelters must offer animals protection from harsh weather conditions.
