Couple charged with starving, dehydrating animals

CLARKS SUMMIT, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A couple has been arrested after police say they found multiple starving, dehydrated animals and one dead dog, abandoned in a “deplorable” home.

On June 6 a neighbor called Lackawanna County Humane Society to report a dog and cat inside an abandoned home in the 600 block of Meadow Lane in Clark Summit. Neighbors told officials they had not seen anyone come to the house in three or four weeks.

When investigators arrived they said a strong odor was coming from the house, they heard two dogs crying, saw bugs in the window, and urine stains on the curtains.

A search warrant was issued for the home and investigators say they were met with the strong smell of ammonia, feces, and decomposition. Inside the house, humane society responders said they found a deceased dog on the floor with bugs, an emaciated cat, and a beagle and husky that had an infection in their eyes.

Through social media accounts and property records, investigators determined that the house and animals belonged to Anthony and Erin DeCicco, of Clark Summit.

The couple has been charged with animal cruelty, animal neglect, and aggravated cruelty to animals. The two were released on $25,000 bail each.

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