The dog cannot be adopted out until the investigation is complete.
"What we have to do now is get all of our information put it in a report, get it to the prosecutor's office and hopefully we can get some criminal charges filed," said Animal Welfare League shelter director Debbie Agostinelli.
One problem is locating the couple accused of the act, Tiffany Charlton and Mike Kelley. They were not at the house on Thursday, but there was evidence that someone had been there overnight.
Tiffany Charlton's father, Randall, lives in the house right next door to her. He said the two have been estranged for awhile and wants nothing to do with her.
Her father and a neighbor said besides dogs, Charlton has many children, none of which were living in the home at the time.
"They have homes. A few are with Children's Services. The other ones are with their father and it's not like the kids are being neglected like the dogs," said neighbor Megan Hartford.
Details on Charlton's children could not be confirmed by CSB, and a look into her criminal background turned up nothing. Hartford said Charlton was fighting to get her kids back, but this case doesn't help.
"There is going to be repercussions for this. She really dug herself in a hole and is not going to get out," Hartford said.
Kelley's name turned up several misdemeanor charges, including theft, assault and breaking and entering.
(Fox Youngstown - Nov 29, 2012)
