Punxsy man facing charges after puppy dies, dog found emaciated

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A Punxsutawney man is facing charges after police responded to an apartment for alleged animal neglect.

Alvin Grove, 19, is facing multiple animal abuse charges after two emaciated dogs and six puppies were found to be living in dirty conditions, according to a criminal complaint. Officers from the Punxsutawney Borough Police Department were called to an apartment on Park Avenue for a report of animal neglect.

Police knocked on the door of the apartment where the alleged abuse happened and were greeted by Grove. Two dogs, a male and a female, could be seen by officers who noted that the female was severely malnourished and emaciated, according to the report. Police noted that “skin was observed hanging from the dog and its bones readily defined through its short coat of fur. The dog’s ribs, lumbar vertebrae and pelvic bones were prominently evident with severe waist tucking in around its skeleton.”

According to officers, the dog looked like it had no access to proper nutrition for some time. Grove then allegedly told officers that there were puppies in the residence. Police went into the room where the puppies were being kept and noted that it smelled strongly of feces and urine.

Six puppies, approximately four weeks old, were in a crate with two empty bowls. Police noted that the crate was dirty and that the puppies had no access to food or water. One of the puppies police said was lying down and appeared to be lifeless. That puppy was immediately taken so that care could be provided, but it was unable to be saved, according to the report.

Grove admitted to officers that he was overwhelmed with the animals and that he was unable to care for them as he was unemployed. Police told Grove that they would be calling an animal rescue to “prevent further serious injury from being inflicted on them.” The female dog was also noted to have worms, according to the affidavit.

Stray Cat Central took in all the animals from the situation and is providing them care. Police noted restitution is pending via the outcome of care and vet bills.

Grove is facing charges of cruelty to animals, aggravated cruelty to animals causing serious bodily injury or death, neglect of animals and other summary charges.

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He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 19.

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