An Easton man will spend up to two years in prison after admitting he left fish-hook laced food in areas where dogs frequently walk, according to authorities.
Joseph Janko-Hudson, 47, pleaded guilty Thursday to charges of cruelty to animals and aggravated cruelty to animals, Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta said in a news release. Janko-Hudson was sentenced to 1-2 years in state prison, followed by three years of probation.
Additionally, he was ordered to pay restitution to the owner of a dog that was injured, and is prohibited from owning an animal for seven years.
Easton city surveillance footage showed Janko-Hudson discarding treats with fish hooks in them along the 400 block of Northampton Street on Feb. 8, according to authorities. Detectives found six pieces of food with hooks embedded in them in the area.
Easton police received a report on Feb. 17 that a dog ate a treat that had a razor blade in it. The treats were found in the 300 block of Northampton Street, and they were identical to the ones found in the previous incident. That dog was injured and needed two surgeries, the DA said.
Investigators filed additional charges against Janko-Hudson in that incident. He has been in Northampton County Prison on bail since his February arrest.