A Bradford man arraigned a week ago for neglecting animals was arrested again Friday for doing the same with animals he was not permitted to have.
Edward Higgins, 47, of 462 Bolivar Drive, was arraigned Friday on charges including one count of aggravated cruelty to animals, a third-degree felony; 11 counts of neglect of animals – providing vet care and 16 counts of neglect of animals, third-degree misdemeanors; and summary offenses.
On Friday, Foster Township Police received a tip that Higgins had two adult dogs and many puppies in his care when he was prohibited, by a bail condition on a prior case of animal neglect, from having any pets. An officer went to Higgins’ residence and confirmed there were dogs present, and contacted the McKean County SPCA.
When SPCA staff arrived, they found two dogs, 11 puppies, one of which was dead; and five cats. The officer said the crate where the dogs were was covered with blankets and hadn’t been tended to in some time. Higgins said he didn’t know one of the puppies had died, according to the criminal complaint.
No dog or cat food or water were in the crates where three of the cats had been housed, or in the dog crate. No dog or cat food was anywhere in the residence, and there was no nutrition supplements or basic needs for the puppies, the complaint stated.
Higgins was arraigned before District Judge Rich Luther and remanded to McKean County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail. He is scheduled for Central Court on Jan. 2.
