Jennifer Moscardini, 36, and Jada Demas, 30, were ordered not to possess any animals and released on $2,000 personal recognizance bail, according to court officials.
A trial management conference is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. on March 15 at the court.
The dog, described as a 2- or 3-year-old Shih Tzu, is recovering while under 24-hour care and medication at a local residence, according to police. Information will be released if the dog becomes available for adoption, police said.
Londonderry police responded to the Rockingham Road address on Monday when the landlord reported entering a rental unit, which she thought was abandoned, and found the dog living in squalor.
According to police, the responding officer could not see the dog’s face, which was covered in severely matted hair. Officers saw the dog walking into walls and attempting to eat random small items, and was limping because its fur was tangled.
The dog was taken to the Southern New Hampshire Veterinary Hospital to be treated and evaluated.
Police said a veterinarian diagnosed the dog as being blind and deaf and having an ulcerated and infected skin mass on forehead, dermatitis, anemia, displaced knee caps, fleas, infections in both ear canals and a lame hind leg.
Police learned the residence was being rented by Demas and Moscardini. They were charged with three counts of cruelty to animals, dog license required, and rabies vaccine required.
They turned themselves in to Londonderry police just after 4 p.m. Thursday. It remains unclear if the two were still living in the apartment at the time, according to police.
In cases of possible animal abuse, the public should contact the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire, said Katie Schelzel, the league’s director of communications and community affairs.
“People should know that if you see something, say something,” Schelzel said Friday.
“It is the role of the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire’s director of outreach and investigations to follow up on reports or concerns about possible animal abuse or neglect.”
The league was contacted initially and did work with Londonderry police in this case, but eventually the dog was turned over to a private resident, Schelzel said.
Anyone who suspects animal abuse or neglect should call the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire at 471-0888, unless it’s an emergency, in which case they should call the police immediately, Schelzel said.
(Union Leader - Feb 11, 2016)
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