- From the Pennsylvania State Police:
Stahlstown, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police Animal Cruelty Officer has found no violations of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, Title 18, Chapter 55, Subchapter B, Cruelty to Animals after responding to investigate a situation involving a dog tethered to a political sign.
On Oct. 17, 2020, members of the Troop A, Greensburg Patrol Unit responded to the 1000 block of SR 711 to check on the welfare of a dog reported to be tethered to a political sign on private property in Donegal Twp., Westmoreland Co. Upon arrival, troopers located a dog that was in fact tethered to a political sign. While on-scene, troopers met with the property/dog owner, who was cooperative and permitted the troopers to check on the welfare of the dog and inspect the property. Troopers found that the dog was being supplied with adequate food, water, and shelter (dog house) in accordance with the requirements of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code. The property owner informed troopers that the sign was recently defaced and that the presence of the dog is intended as a deterrent against possible future vandalism. Troopers also observed “No Trespassing” signage and trail cameras on the property in addition to signage indicating the presence of a guard dog.
On Oct. 24, members of the Troop A, Greensburg Patrol Unit again responded to complaints of a dog tethered to a political sign at the same location. Upon arrival, troopers confirmed that the same dog was tethered to the same political sign. Responding troopers again interviewed the property/dog owner, who again was cooperative. Troopers found that the dog was continuing to be supplied with adequate food, water, and shelter (dog house) in accordance with the requirements of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code.
It should be noted that troopers also learned of information being circulated via social media, to include threats directed against the property/dog owner.
On Oct. 24 at approximately 11:30 PM, the State Police Animal Cruelty Officer, a position held within the Special Investigations Division of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, personally responded with Troop A, Greensburg Patrol Unit members to the Donegal Twp. property to check on the welfare of the dog, inspect the property for violations, and interview the property/dog owner. The property/dog owner was interviewed by and was cooperative with the Animal Cruelty Officer, who upon checking on the welfare of the dog and inspecting the property and tethering method found no violations of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, Title 18, Chapter 55, Subchapter B, Cruelty to Animals. The property/dog owner further advised the Animal Cruelty Officer that the dog is taken on a walk around the property five times per day.
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