The Pennsylvania SPCA has secured three guilty verdicts in three separate cases of animal cruelty which included insanitary confinement, leaving a dog in a hot car, and failure to provide veterinary care for a dog. All of the verdicts were reached on Wednesday, September 7.
Brian Grant was found guilty of one summary count of unsanitary confinement of 15 cats at his residence in the 5000 block of Castor Avenue in the city’s Lawncrest neighborhood. Grant must pay a $50 fine and is prohibited from owning an animal for 90 days. The cats were signed over to the PSPCA. The majority of the cats have been adopted but the remaining ones still need their forever homes. Contact the PSPCA if you are interested in adopting.
Antonio Sellechia of Richard Road in Bensalem was found guilty of leaving his dog, Bones, in a hot car which led to him suffering a heat stroke. Bones, a pit bull type, did survive. Bones will be returned to Sellechia. Bones was kept at the PSPCA until the adjudication of the case. Sellechia must pay a $200 fine and is not allowed to own an animal for 90 days. The PSPCA will have regular inspection rights to make sure Bones is safe and being given his proper medication.
Lastly, John Aleman of the 1200 block of Passmore Street, Oxford Circle, was found guilty of failing to provide veterinary care for his Shih-Tzu, Cutie. Cutie suffered skin wounds as a result of severe hair matting. Aleman must pay a $50 fine and is prohibited from owning an animal for 90 days. Cutie has since been rehomed.
Antonio Sellechia of Richard Road in Bensalem was found guilty of leaving his dog, Bones, in a hot car which led to a heat stroke. Bones, a pit bull type, did survive. Sellechia will be able to have Bones returned to him. Bones was kept at the PSPCA until the adjudication of the case. Sellechia must pay a $200 fine and is not allowed to own an animal for 90 days. The PSPCA will have regular inspection rights to make sure Bones is safe and being given his proper medication.
Rebecca Glenn-Dinwoodie, Director of Humane Litigation, said “It is our hope that through this important work and the education of citizens throughout our state and country, that someday we will put an end to all animal cruelty and the prosecution of offenders will not be necessary. Until that time, we are here to stand up for the rights of animals, and advocate for their protection.”
To report animal abuse, call the PSCPA’s cruelty hotline at (866) 601-SPCA
Tina Evangelista-Eppenstein is a television talk show host, speaker, writer and animal advocate. She hosts the show, ” A Close-Up Look at Animal Welfare Issues.” Have a story, please email Tina at tevangelistaepp@yahoo. Like my tv page at https://www.facebook.com/ACloseUpLookAtAnimalWelfareIssues and check out AnimalWelfareIssues.com for all the tv shows you may have missed!
Disgusting. Pathetic. A joke. The punishment doesn’t fit their crimes.
Guilty doesn’t equate Into anything substantial as far as sentencing.
Kudos to them on these cases and the newer cases. Punishment needs to be far worse than this.
I agree with the other comments. Bones shouldn’t be allowed to go back to the person who caused him to have a heatstroke. Too many dogs are dying in hot cars this year. We need to see that it doesn’t continue on the same path as it is. Which is why Bones should be re-homed.
Interesting article but it’s not enough in fines or not being allowed to have a pet.
Good news for a change.
meow
Good!