An arrest warrant has been issued for a Schuylkill County man accused of animal cruelty and neglect.
Court documents show that police in Frackville were called to a home on Hickey St. in Gilberton back on July 18 by a concerned resident who said they hadn’t seen their neighbor, Dayshawn Harris, 40, in a couple days.
Police say they were previously called to this same location on July 16 by a Gilberton Borough employee who was concerned about the well-being of dogs inside.
The concerned neighbor said that someone is usually at Harris’ home to take care of the dogs.
Police say they noticed a large brown dog in a cage while looking through a window. They say the dog had no food or water. Another dog was heard barking in the home. Lights and a ceiling fan were on, however.
Multiple attempts to contact Harris were made, police say, including phone calls to a number believed to be his, a license plate check on two vehicles he was believed to be driving, and a call to a nearby hospital to see if he’d been admitted as a patient.
Police say they checked the home multiple times on July 18, starting at 6:30 p.m., and continued until nearly 6 a.m. on July 19. During each stop, no one was at the residence.
A search warrant was executed at this Hickey St. home and police noted “deplorable” conditions inside, including a strong pet waste odor. Four animals – three dogs and a cat – were inside. Two dogs were in dirty cages. No food or water was present for any of the animals.
On Monday, Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli signed a request for a warrant for Harris’ arrest. He’s facing four counts each of cruelty to animals, neglect of animals, and abandoning animals.
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