NAZARETH, Pa. – Police in Northampton County have accused a man of leaving his dog outside in the bitter cold.
“It was single digits, with the wind chill, it was in the negatives,” said Nazareth Borough Police Chief Randall Pompei.
Police say Leslie Hamm Jr., 51, left his dog outside in freezing conditions.
Officers say they have received several animal complaints over the last year, about a home on West High Street.
“The individual who was at the residence was warned about leaving the dog outside, said Pompei.
In January, Pompei says neighbors were alerted after they heard the dog barking and called 911 again.
“There was no shelter, there was no water out. The dog was just strictly outside and in this weather, I mean, I’m not an expert on animals, but it’s not good,” said Pompei.
Police could not confirm the dog’s breed or age.
A criminal complaint details the moments officers tried to contact the owner by banging on his door with fists and flashlights, but they say they had no luck.
“However, they were able to secure the dog back in residence to assure the dog was safe,” said Pompei.
Pompei says during a follow up investigation, Hamm admitted to leaving the dog outside for more than an hour.
He’s charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty and neglect.
“Under Pennsylvania law, we could take the dog if the dog was in in danger and we were not able to get it to shelter for safety,” said Pompei. “If he’s convicted of these, the judge does have the power to order forfeiture of the dog to a safe place.”
As the temps continue to dip this winter, a Northampton County animal shelter is stressing the importance of limiting dog’s exposure outdoors.
“The reality is, just like us, they can get hypothermia,” said Rosa Maria Lopiccolo, Executive Director of Center for Animal Health and Welfare. “Being outside for extended periods of time is neglectful and harmful to them. “
Hamm has a preliminary hearing set for March 12th.