A Schuylkill County man faces animal cruelty charges after police say he allowed his sick dog to die without veterinary care and left the decaying carcass in his yard for several days.
Brian Morit Jr., 43, of Saint Clair, is charged with second-degree misdemeanor cruelty to animals, third-degree misdemeanor neglect of animals, and second-degree misdemeanor failure to dispose of a domestic animal carcass within 48 hours.
According to police, officers responded to the rear yard of a residence on S. Morris St. in Saint Clair just before 11 a.m. on June 9 for a report of a deceased German Shepherd-type dog. A caller told police he was working on his home when he smelled a foul odor, looked over a fence, and saw the dog’s decaying carcass. The smell could be detected throughout the neighborhood. Police say the yard was not properly maintained, adding that the grass was about three feet high.
Police say they made contact with Morit, a resident of the home. Morit reportedly told police he noticed his dog was sick on June 5 because it was becoming skinny and could not hold down food or water. Morit said he believed the dog may have been poisoned, police say.
Through Friday and Saturday, Morit told police the dog’s condition continued to fail until it was falling over while trying to walk. Morit did not attempt to provide veterinary care at any time, telling police he could not afford it.
Morit told police the dog passed away the morning of June 6, at which time he placed the animal in the yard. Police allege Morit failed to properly dispose of the carcass for more than 48 hours, causing a public health concern to the community.
A preliminary hearing before Senior Magisterial District Judge Edward Lewis is scheduled for Aug. 4.
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