West Pike Run Police Chief Michael Hardesty faces animal cruelty charges in the alleged mistreatment of his female Rottweiler. The dog was found Tuesday in the basement of Hardesty's Scenery Hill home in the North Bethlehem area of Pennsylvania.
According to wtae.com, Etalia, the one-and-a-half-year-old dog was being kept in the basement living in her own excrement. A humane officer from the Washington Area Humane Society stated there was no bedding, food, or water for the dog.
Authorities say Etalia should weigh between 85 and 90 pounds. The dog weighed in at 58 pounds.
General manager of the Washington Area Humane Society, Kelly Backo called Etalia's condition one of life or death.
In an emailed statement to Channel 11 News, wpxi.com, Chief Hardesty denies the charges stating there are other people who live in the house.
Chief Hardesty does own another male Rottweiler who lives upstairs and appears to be very healthy.
No matter what the reason for Etalia's condition, Backo says the dog was in immediate need of veterinarian care, and according to Pennsylvania's animal cruelty laws, the dog should have received medical care.
For now Etalia is being fostered. The WAHS will petition the court to permanently remove the dog from Hardesty's care. A court hearing is scheduled in the next few days.
If you would like to help in Etalia's rehabilitation, please click here or call (724)-222-7387.
If you would like to continue receiving the latest news on pet issues and how we can help those who cannot speak, please click the "Subscribe" icon.
Follow the National Pet Rescue Examiner on Facebook by clicking here. Please visit and "like" my page. You are welcome to submit story ideas by contacting me at cdhanna9703@aol.com.
Comments