Paul McIntyre, kennel manager at Triangle Pet Control Services in McKees Rocks, says he will appeal his conviction handed down Wednesday on one count of failing to provide veterinary care for a pit bull-mix dog that died in a cage. He said he has dropped his earlier stated plan to buy the business and re-open the kennel, which has been shut down since Oct. 1.

Triangle owner Bernard Dudash was convicted on the same charge Wednesday in a hearing before District Judge Mary Ann Cercone in McKees Rocks. She imposed a $500 fine on both men.

Mr. McIntyre had worked at Triangle for 27 years and was kennel manager when the animal neglect charge was filed.

The woman who answered the telephone at Mr. Dudash's residence said he has no comment.

The convictions prevent Triangle from applying for a new state license to operate the animal control business, said Ron Smith, chief humane officer for the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society.

Triangle's operating license was suspended following an Oct. 1 inspection by three Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture employees who said there were unsanitary kennels and improper record-keeping. State dog warden Steve Stoehr, Tom Wharry, a department supervisor, and Erin Moore, a state veterinarian, also said three of the 26 dogs in the facility needed veterinary care.