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The top two officials at Triangle Pet Control Services were found guilty today of one count of failing to provide veterinary care for a dog that died in a cage at the McKees Rocks kennel.
Owner Bernard Dudash and kennel manager Paul McIntyre were ordered to pay $500 fines by District Judge Mary Ann Cercone of McKees Rocks.
The charges, which are a summary offense, were filed by Ron Smith, chief humane officer for the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society. The convictions prevent Triangle from applying for a new state license to operate the kennel, Mr. Smith said.
Mr. Dudash and Mr. McIntyre have the right to appeal the convictions.
When state dog warden Steve Stoehr inspected the kennel Oct. 1, he told employees that three of the 26 dogs in their care needed to see a veterinarian. Dog wardens, who work for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, are not empowered to enforce cases of animal abuse and neglect.
When Mr. Smith followed up on the state report, he learned that one of the dogs, a pit bull mix, had died Oct. 4, and he filed charges.
State agriculture officials on Oct. 1 suspended Triangle's operating license because of unsanitary kennels and improper record-keeping. The dogs were sent to the Animal Friends shelter in Ohio Township and to the Animal Rescue League in Larimer.
Since then Triangle Pet Control has not been permitted to pick up or kennel any animals.
Triangle Pet Control provided services, including picking up and euthanizing stray dogs, to nearly 60 municipalities in Allegheny County.
First Published March 6, 2013 3:08 pm
