Pennsylvania: Previous owners facing animal cruelty charge after new family finds dead pit bull

PENNSYLVANIA -- A Somerset County family is upset after finding a dead dog in the basement of the family's new home Monday afternoon.

The Faith family moved into a house along Dark Shade Drive in Paint Township last week.

State police said the people who lived in the house previously are now facing charges.

The parents said the last 24 hours have been a nightmare, and their kids are scared to go back into the house.

Melissa Faith and her husband, Kevin, showed 6 News where they found the dead pit bull.

There are scratch marks and paw prints on the doors and windows in the basement. Melissa describes the basement as a "torture chamber."

The couple believes the dog had done everything it could to survive during its last days or hours of life.

"It was hungry, fighting for its life looking for a way out," said Kevin Faith.

State police said the dog's owners, Brittany Johns and Michael Weaver, tied the dog in their basement and left it for three days without arranging proper care.

Claw marks and paw prints show where the dog tried to escape

This is where the dog finally died after being abandoned

"The dog tried everything it could with its teeth, claws, back feet to get out. It was torture," Kevin Faith said.

The family gave Zeus a proper burial in its backyard, writing on his grave, "I'm so sorry. You'll be better on the rainbow bridge."

"The rainbow bridge is where a loved pet goes whenever it dies, and it waits for you there," Melissa Faith said.

State police said Johns and Weaver are facing one count of animal cruelty.

(WJAC - May 17, 2016)