Scranton police found a dog and six puppies abandoned in a Division Street residence, according to a criminal complaint.
The animals were found Feb. 21 in a single crate, covered in feces and urine and without food or water, police said.
The adult dog, a female, was severely underweight, with her ribs, hips and spine showing. The dog and her puppies were transported to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter for evaluation and treatment.
James, 39, and Carrie Flores, 33, of 1517 Division St., face seven counts of cruelty to animals and seven counts of animal neglect.
According to the complaint, investigators learned additional animals, including cats and a black Labrador, had been inside the home at one point.
They found one of the cats outside and a neighbor agreed to care for it.
During their investigation, officers learned the landlord had sent staff into the residence for cleaning, where they found the abandoned animals.
Investigators then spoke with property manager Frank Hoover who witnessed the abandoned animals inside the apartment.
Officers determined the James and Carrie Flores had been gone for over a week, leaving the animals without adequate care, food or water. A neighbor informed them the couple had traveled to Texas.
The couple have preliminary hearings scheduled for 9:15 a.m. on May 4 before District Judge Sean Gallagher.