Two Scranton residents face multiple animal-neglect charges after six dogs were removed from a condemned residence on Brook Street, police said.
Authorities accuse Michael Miller, 59, and Keisha Endrusick, 42, of failing to provide proper care for the animals, which had untreated injuries, including open cuts, that increased their risk of infection and further harm.
Officers responded to 819 Brook St. on Aug. 5 following a report of multiple dogs being severely neglected. Police spoke with representatives of Griffin Pond Animal Shelter and Blue Chip Rescue regarding an ongoing investigation into Miller, Endrusick and another woman who lived at the property.
One of the dogs rescued from an condemned residence last month. The dog was among six taken to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter (SUBMITTED)
The shelter representatives told police Miller and Endrusick previously lived in a condemned property in Pittston, where about 40 dogs had been removed and eight remained, according to the complaint.
They reported that multiple puppies had been concealed and transported from Pittston to the Brook Street residence. Animal control personnel told police that the individuals involved often hid dogs in cabinets and moved them between properties in an attempt to conceal them.
Officers soon learned Miller, Endrusick and another resident were legally prohibited from owning additional dogs following a Luzerne County investigation.
A Scranton fire inspector responded to the scene and informed officers the Brook Street residence had been condemned and deemed unfit for human occupancy.
Multiple dogs found at condemned residence
A juvenile told responding officers there were five dogs at the residence, including three 4-month-old puppies, a dog named King and another dog named Little Man.
Scranton Animal Control Officer Kathleen Gallone noted the dogs were cowering and shaking. The adult dogs appeared thin and in poor condition, with multiple cuts across their bodies. The puppies were abnormally fearful and guarded, Gallone said.
Residents of the home told officers they had moved in about a month earlier with the landlord’s approval and denied knowing the residence was condemned.
Officers then found a sixth dog, Shadow, who had a large open wound on his ear and cowered in fear when approached.
Gallone was in contact with Wilkes-Barre City Animal Control during the incident. She learned Pittston officials were planning to demolish the Pittston residence as soon as the dogs were removed, as officials feared Miller and the others would simply move the remaining dogs to Scranton, according to the complaint.
The six dogs were surrendered to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter.
Charges were filed due to the lack of necessary veterinary care, untreated injuries, and maintaining animals in unsafe, unsanitary conditions, according to the criminal complaint.
City officials determined utilities at the residence had been shut off, further increasing the risk of injury, illness and infection for the animals.
On Sept. 14, police charged Miller and Endrusick with three counts of animal neglect and six counts of failing to vaccinate the dogs against rabies. Miller’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 19 and Endrusick’s for Oct. 20.