Puppies abandoned in home for weeks
Hazleton, PA (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, Apr 7, 2009
County: Luzerne

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged:
» Timothy Anderson
» Tiffany Banks

Three abandoned pit bull puppies were found in poor condition inside a Hazleton rental home Tuesday, a city official said.

The dogs were left for two weeks without heat, food or water. A television was left on.

Dog feces, clothing and other debris was scattered on the floor of the Alter Street house, creating unsanitary and unsafe conditions, Hazleton Health Inspector Mark Thompson said. Oil from the furnace had leaked onto the floor, Thompson said, and the Hazleton Fire Department had to clean it up.

Thompson said the dogs were found shaking and scared, two of them huddled in a corner when city officials arrived.

"They were just so fearful," he said.

Thompson said the dogs were "extremely uncooperative" when city employees and the Hazleton Animal Shelter tried to remove them.

Calls to the Hazleton Animal Shelter for comment on the puppies' condition went unanswered.

Thompson said the landlord, Apollinar Rojas, of 579 Alter St., said he had problems with the tenants, including frozen pipes and excessive noise, and served the tenants with an eviction notice.

Both occupants, Timothy Anderson and Tiffany Banks, were supposed to leave the home by March 20, Thompson said.

Hazleton police arrived at the home, 577 Alter St., Monday to serve a warrant for Anderson's arrest. Thompson said Anderson was wanted for a domestic violence issue.

Police did not find Anderson, but did find the puppies in unlivable conditions. Police contacted Thompson and the animal shelter.

Thompson said he will file citations against the dog owners for animal abandonment and neglect. A citation for the filthy living conditions will also be filed, he said.

The home, which does not have heat, has been condemned until it is cleaned. Thompson said the landlord is left to clean and repair the home at his own expense.

References

• Standard Speaker - April 8, 2009

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