Pennsylvania: Criminal investigation launched after 2 pit bulls found dead in vacant house

PENNSYLVANIA -- A criminal investigation is underway after two pit bulls were found dead inside a vacant house Wednesday in the Moxham section of Johnstown, Pa.

Code enforcement officer Scott Chapple said the dogs were found in a house in the 400 block of Cypress Avenue.

He said the dogs, believed to be between 2 and 3 years old, were emaciated and likely didn’t have food for two weeks.

The dogs were taken to a Johnstown veterinarian and are undergoing an necropsy to determine the cause of death.

Chapple said when he first went into the house on Cypress Avenue, the place was a mess, with a broken kitchen window, too.

He said after that house was recently condemned, the former occupant moved two houses down.

"It's very unfortunate,” said Jessica Vamos, executive director of the Humane Society of Cambria County. “It's an eye-opening situation for the community to keep an eye on these animals.

“We have to be a voice for them, especially with the new Libre’s Law."

Chapple said the man who previously lived where the dogs were found dead could face several charges, including animal cruelty, animal abuse, abandonment and code violations.

(WJAC Johnstown - Dec 20, 2017)