Butler County Dog Warden Kurt Merbs said that a welfare check on seven dogs on the property of St. Clair Twp. resident, Melissa Damico, 3700 Morganthaler Rd., was conducted Monday and three dogs were found deceased due to neglect and cold weather, while four other dogs were found alive but severely malnourished.
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Merbs said in a statement that Damico had moved to a new home, abandoning the seven dogs, adding that there was no food, water, or appropriate shelter from the weather.
Damico was taken to the Butler County Jail and charged with three felonies of the fifth degree for Cruelty to Companion Animals and four misdemeanors of the first degree for Cruelty to Companion Animals and will appear in the Hamilton Municipal Court.
Sheriff Richard K. Jones issued a statement saying he is “saddened that animals continue to be neglected when compassion and basic care is all an animal needs to survive.”