Pennsylvania: Valley woman, Rosita Roman, convicted of animal cruelty after dog rescue

PENNSYLVANIA -- A township woman was recently convicted on several counts of animal cruelty after animal protection officers found two of her dogs left outside amid freezing temperatures in January, according to the Chester County SPCA.

Officials said one of the dog’s, a 3-year-old Chihuahua, named “Christopher Robin” by SPCA staff, was found near death inside a urine soaked wire cage on January 10 at the home of 47-year-old Rosita Roman.

Another female Chihuahua was inside the cage as well, along with frozen water and no food. It was 20 degrees outside when the dogs were found, SPCA officials said.

Animal Protective Services officer Kelsey Beam holds
rescued Chihuahua “Christopher Robin,” during a recent
check up. Photo courtesy the Chester County SPCA.

“Christopher Robin” was motionless and emaciated when he was first found by animal control officers, who initially thought the dog was deceased. 

When he was taken to the West Chester Animal Emergency Center his body temperature was so low that it did not initially register on thermometers. But after he was given heat support, intravenous fluids, and glucose, the dog began to recover.

The Chihuahua was placed in a medical foster home after his rescue and has since made a full recovery, SPCA officials said.

A third dog, an 8-week-old puppy, was also found living inside the home. All three dogs were surrendered to the SPCA prior to the conclusion of the investigation. One of the dogs has since been adopted and the other was placed for adoption at an area rescue.

Roman was convicted five counts of animal cruelty for failing to provide adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. She was ordered to pay restitution for medical expenses and fines of up to $750 per count. She was also convicted of four dog law violations for failing to provide her dogs with rabies vaccinations and county dog licenses, officials said. Each of those counts is subject to a fine of up to $300.

Additionally, Roman is no longer permitted to own or possess animals, officials said.

To learn more about the Animal Protective Services department and their efforts, visit: www.ccspca.org/animal-protective-services.

Founded in 1929, the Chester County SPCA (CCSPCA) is the only open admissions shelter in both Chester and Delaware Counties. Its mission is to promote the welfare and humane treatment of animals and to act as an advocate on their behalf, improving the lives of both animals and people.

Each year, the CCSPCA cares for over 5,000 stray, owner-surrendered, wayward owned, and abused and neglected animals.

(Daily Local - March 13, 2015)