A Bradford man was arraigned Friday on allegations of neglecting to provide the proper care for four dogs and six cats in his care.
Edward Higgins, 47, of 462 Bolivar Drive, is charged with 10 counts each of cruelty to animals, second-degree misdemeanors; neglect of animals, third-degree misdemeanors; and failure to obtain rabies vaccinations, summary offenses; as well as four counts of failing to license dogs, summary offenses.
According to the criminal complaint, on Sept. 17, Foster Township Police were contacted about a potential animal neglect case at 462 Bolivar Drive. Neighbors reported there were multiple dogs at the residence, but said they had not seen the dogs or Higgins outside in three weeks. They said the dogs always appeared malnourished.
Police went to the residence, where Higgins let an officer inside to see the dogs. “The condition of the house were deplorable,” the officer wrote. He said there was a “nasty garbage smell” as well as dog feces throughout the house, along with dirty pans and garbage in each room. He saw three dogs, all of which were friendly, but were severely underweight with their bones visible. No food or water was out for them. None of the dogs had collars on and no evidence of flea treatment, the complaint stated.
Higgins showed the officer the fourth dog, which was caged without food or water and in its own waste. Its bones were visible as well. With permission from Higgins, the officer took photos of the dogs. When asked about feeding them, Higgins said he gives them a variety of vegetables.
The officer went to the office of a veterinarian and showed him the photos. The vet said the animals showed clear signs of neglect and improper feeding. The officer contacted the SPCA to make arrangements for the animals, obtained a search and seizure warrant and returned to the residence to take the animals, with assistance of another officer and the SPCA.
Along with the four dogs, six cats in poor condition were seized and released to the SPCA. “Higgins did not understand why the cats were being taken from him, and was not grasping the fact that the dogs were clearly malnourished,” the complaint stated.
A report from the vet said all four of the dogs were underweight: A German shepherd mix at 63 pounds, a boxer mix at 52 pounds, a pit bull terrier mix at 63 pounds and a labrador mix at 16 pounds. All of the animals either have recovered or are recovering, the complaint noted.
Higgins was arraigned Friday before District Judge Rich Luther and released on $5,000 unsecured bail. He is scheduled for Central Court on Dec. 19.
