SHENANDOAH — A Shenandoah man is facing animal neglect charges after police discovered a severely malnourished dog roaming the borough earlier this week.
Craig Jeffrey Cole, 32, was charged by Shenandoah Borough Police with two misdemeanor counts of neglect of animals and a summary offense for allegedly failing to confine the dog to his premises.
Police Find Emaciated Dog Roaming Shenandoah
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Patrolman Mark Hysock, police were dispatched at approximately 8:11 a.m. , to the 400 block of West Arlington Street for a report of a dog roaming the neighborhood.
Officers located a dog described as very skittish with a rope tied around its neck that appeared to have broken free.
Police reported that the dog was visibly emaciated and in need of veterinary attention.
The dog, believed to be a pit bull mix, was transported to Ringtown Valley Veterinary Hospital for treatment.
Anonymous Tip Leads Police to Alleged Owner
According to the affidavit, police later received an anonymous tip suggesting that the dog belonged to a resident in the 400 block of West Washington Street.
At approximately 10:15 a.m., Hysock went to the residence and spoke with a man through a security camera system. The man indicated that he was not home but believed the description matched his dog, which he described as a retriever and pit bull mix.
The man told police he would come to the Shenandoah Borough Police Station after returning home.
At approximately 11:33 a.m., the man arrived at the station. Police showed him photographs of the dog and its physical condition.
According to the affidavit, the man confirmed that the dog belonged to him and said he had acquired the animal within the previous month. Police identified the man as Cole.
Veterinarian Reports Severe Malnutrition
According to the criminal complaint, Dr. Bernhard of Ringtown Valley Veterinary Hospital later provided police with a report detailing the dog’s condition.
The veterinarian described the animal as “very emaciated and flea infested, with parasites in his stool.”
Bloodwork reportedly revealed anemia and increased alkaline phosphatase levels, which the veterinarian indicated were consistent with severe malnutrition.
The dog received a body condition score of 1 out of 9, indicating an extremely poor physical condition.
According to the affidavit, Bernhard estimated that the dog’s degree of emaciation developed over approximately three to four weeks.
The veterinarian also estimated that the dog would require approximately two weeks of veterinary care to stabilize its condition.
Animal Neglect Charges and Preliminary Hearing
Shenandoah Borough Police filed the following charges against Cole on :
- Neglect of animals involving sustenance or water, a third-degree misdemeanor
- Neglect of animals involving veterinary care, a third-degree misdemeanor
- Failure to confine a dog within the owner’s premises, a summary offense
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for , before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker in Shenandoah.
All charges are allegations. Cole is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.