A Mahanoy Plane man is facing a dozen charges, including multiple counts of animal cruelty and neglect, after police say they discovered several dogs and a cat living in deplorable conditions inside his home.
According to court documents, Frackville Borough Police have charged Dayshawn Desmond Harris, 40, of Mahanoy Plane, in connection with the incident. Harris is accused of leaving four animals — three dogs and one cat — without food or water for several days in mid-July.
The investigation began on July 16, 2025, when police were called to 114 Hickey Street for a welfare check on the animals after a borough worker expressed concern. Officers observed a large brown dog in a cage through the front window with no visible food or water, and another dog could be heard barking inside. At that time, police spoke with a neighbor, who said someone usually came by to care for the dogs but that he had not seen Harris in at least two days.
Police returned to the residence on July 18 after Lunny again reported that no one had been home. Officers noted the lights and ceiling fan had been left on since their earlier visit. Multiple attempts to contact Harris — including phone calls, license plate reader checks, and inquiries with local hospitals — were unsuccessful.
Frackville Police, along with Officers Reno, Dragna, and Murton, conducted multiple checks of the property over the next 24 hours. Each time, no one was found at the residence.
On July 19, Officer Murton executed a search warrant. Inside, officers reported finding the home in “deplorable” condition, with a strong odor of feces and urine throughout. Two of the dogs were confined to cages containing feces and urine, and no food or water was available for any of the animals.
The animals were removed from the property.
Harris has been charged with:
Harris has been charged with:
- Four counts of Neglect of Animals – Sustenance/Water (Misdemeanor 3)
- Four counts of Cruelty to Animals (Misdemeanor 2)
- Four counts of Abandonment of a Dog within the Commonwealth (Summary offense)