Cambria Co., PA (WJAC) — Authorities say multiple recent cases of dogs being mistreated are being investigated in the Northern Cambria area.
6 News spoke with the borough's police chief about the incidents and what you should do if you suspect an animal is being neglected.
Officials say charges are now being filed after a dog was found dead last October, according to Northern Cambria Borough Police Chief Derek Stitt.
Chief Stitt says someone was cleaning out the basement of Devon Imler and Sara Galla's 38th Street home and came across a foul smell.
Investigators say they found a dog with its throat slit and adds “you could tell it had been there for a while.”
Charges of neglect, cruelty and aggravated cruelty of animals are now filed against Imler and Galla according to officials.
Police say a warrant is also out for their arrest, but they have not yet been taken into custody.
Then on Tuesday, a video of another dog, a German Shepard, being neglected garnered hundreds of reactions on social media.
Police say on Wednesday, the owner of that dog surrendered custody of the animal to the Indiana County Humane Society.
Authorities say they are waiting for the dog to get checked by a vet before filing charges in that case.
Officials say if you think a dog is being neglected, you should reach out to local law enforcement.
“If you suspect that an animal is being neglected or abused your first steps should be contacting the local police department. They in turn will contact the humane society or animal control, whatever area you're in. There's also a lot of departments that have Facebook. You can send an anonymous tip if you want through Facebook. Send a picture, give them a location, whatever details you can provide to help.”
Chief Stitt says police themselves do not have the resources to take a neglected animal and rely on humane societies, which officials say are filling up.
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