UPDATE: Protested owner to face lower charges in starved dog’s death

David Neanover, 36, Reily Twp., was charged with cruelty to a companion animal after anonymous complaints came in about an emaciated dog, said Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones. SUBMITTED PHOTO

David Neanover, 36, Reily Twp., was charged with cruelty to a companion animal after anonymous complaints came in about an emaciated dog, said Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones. SUBMITTED PHOTO

A Butler County man accused of animal cruelty after his dog was found severely emaciated with open wounds and later died will face lower charges.

David Neanover, 36, of Reily Twp., could have faced a felony charge of animal cruelty, but a Butler County grand jury decided this week he will instead face first-degree misdemeanors.

The case has caused protests during Neanover’s court appearances by those outraged about what happened to the dog, Lucifer, who become known as “Lou.”

Butler County Sheriff’s Office dog wardens responded to 6165 Main St. in April and found the dog, according to Sheriff Richard Jones.

The dog was cared for and hospitalized for five days at Animal Care Centers. The dog died several days later.

The medical staff was surprised when X-rays showed rocks in the dog’s stomach. He lived his life on a very short chain and was “deprived food for quite some time,” a social media post by the animal shelter read.

Anyone who knows of an animal in Butler County that’s being neglected or abused can make an anonymous report by texting ‘COPS’ and your tip to 274637 (CRIMES).

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