A Schuylkill County woman is wanted by police after two dogs were found outside a property in Pottsville last week. One of the dogs had passed away and the other was extremely malnourished and dehydrated.
Police in Pottsville say they met the City’s Animal Control Officer at a home in the 500 block of E. Market St. on the morning of Nov. 12. The ACO received a report that two dogs had been abandoned by their neighbor.
At the rear of the property, in the back yard, one black and brown dog was found extremely emaciated and deceased. A small brown and black dog was alive on the back balcony of the home but severely dehydrated, extremely malnourished, and weak, police say.
No food or water was available for either animal, police say, and there was no means for either to protect themselves from the cold weather.
The property where the dogs were located were heavily contaminated with trash and dog feces, police say.
Police learned through their investigation that the former tenant at this property – identified as 24-year-old Destiny Serafini, of Pottsville – had left the property about a week prior to the dogs’ discovery.
Neighbors reportedly tell police that the dogs were never allowed inside the property.
Police say they contacted Serafini, who said the dogs belonged to a friend but she had been responsible for their care since July. She reportedly said that the friend was supposed to provide food for the dogs but it wasn’t done all the time.
Serafini also reportedly told police that the dogs were not permitted inside due to a restriction on her lease. She said she was forced to leave her residence there on Oct. 31.
Police have filed a felony charge of aggravated cruelty to animals causing death as well as misdemeanor charges of neglect of animals on three counts, for failing to provide sustenance and water, shelter and protection, and veterinary care.
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