A couple from Tamaqua faces animal cruelty charges after leaving their dogs and cats alone for days in a Porter Township home where they recently lived.

One of the pets, a dog named Milo, had to be euthanized because of the neglect, according to Pennsylvania State Police at Schuylkill Haven, who filed the charges against Anthony Richardson, 34, and Stephanie Potts, 32, of the 200 block of Clay Street.

Troopers were sent to a home on Dietrich Avenue in Porter Township on Jan. 19 for a report of animal cruelty. The caller, Sarah Richardson, said that Anthony Richardson and Potts had lived with her and her husband, Troy Richardson, until they were evicted Jan. 10 because of a Protection from Abuse Order filed against Anthony.

She told police that when the two left, they padlocked their two dogs and nine cats in the area where they had been living.

She said that on Jan. 11, another resident at the address texted Potts to ask where the key to the padlock was, but Potts refused to provide a key. Sarah Richardson then began contacting animal rescues to take custody of the animals, and on Jan. 18, she and Troy Richardson broke the lock. Police said they found two dogs lying on the floor and one named Milo was unable to stand, walk or open her eyes. They found nine cats, but did not find any water for the animals. A bag of Meow Mix cat food was open, they told police.

Sarah Richardson said that they removed Milo from the living area and bathed her. She said she found feces on the dog’s fur, overgrown nails, sores on her leg and fur missing from her tail. The dog began to defecate blood and was taken to an animal hospital. The woman provided photos to troopers.

Troopers said the area where the two dogs lived was dirty and smelled foul, was covered in feces and urine, and was unsuitable for habitation.

Milo’s condition

Troopers contacted the dog licensing agent for Schuylkill County and found that no animals were licensed to Anthony Richardson or Potts.

A veterinary chart obtained by police showed that the dog had severe periodontal disease, a yeast odor, dehydration, abnormally high levels of waste products in blood due to kidney failure, renal insufficiency (a symptom of kidney disease), elevated pancreatic values, skin ulcers and swimmer’s ear infection.

The dog had to be euthanized.

When troopers showed the veterinarian the living conditions, she said that the conditions and the lack of water for eight days was “absolutely the prime contributing factor to Milo’s kidney infection and ultimate death.” Troopers said the veterinarian said it appeared that the death was a result of neglect by her owners.

Interviews

Police interviewed Anthony Richardson on March 23. He told police that after he was evicted from the residence, he had no plan in place for the animals’ care - only to open bags of food and have the animals drink water from the toilet and a leaking shower. He said he installed a lock on the living area to keep Sarah and Troy Richardson from entering.

Troopers interviewed Potts on March 23 and she said she was the owner of the nine cats, none of which were vaccinated. She also said she had cared for the dogs during her 8-year relationship with Anthony Richardson.

Police said she felt responsible for the deterioration of the animals conditions and for the death of Milo. She also told troopers that she intended to return to the residence to care for the animals, but was unable to do so because of weather and road conditions, and the unavailability of transportation.

The two were arraigned before Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, Tremont, on a single count each of felony aggravated assault cruelty to animals - causing serious bodily injury or death, a misdemeanor count of cruelty to animals, and two misdemeanor counts of neglect of animals. They also face 10 summary counts each for cruelty to animals and vaccination against rabies required; 20 summary counts of neglect of animals, and two summary counts of failing to get their dogs licensed.

Both were released on $25,000 unsecured bail.