A Montgomery Township woman is facing charges after police located her missing dog and determined that it was allegedly in a state of severe neglect.
On Sept. 1, Montgomery Township Police found an emaciated male Maltese-type dog with feces caked in the fur, and took it to the Montgomery County SPCA, located at 19 East Ridge Pike in Conshohocken. The dog was described as weak and would fall over, and a veterinarian stated that the dog was in a state of severe neglect, with a body condition score of 1 out of a possible 9.
The report states that the dog was microchipped, with ownership belonging to 40-year-old Shalesha Phoenix, of the 300 block of Ellison Drive. Police then made contact with Phoenix, who said the dog was hers and he had only been missing for a couple of days, according to the report.
As a result of the investigation, Phoenix has been charged with misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals, neglect of animals-failure to provide veterinary care and neglect of animals-failure to provide shelter/protection. Phoenix has also been charged with summary counts of cruelty to animals and neglect of animals. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 18 at 11 a.m. in front of Magisterial District Judge Andrea Duffy.
The dog is currently in the care of the Montgomery County SPCA, pending litigation. When reached for comment, North Penn Now was told that the dog is continuing to recover.
(Editor’s note: All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using court records and the affidavit of probable cause, and reflects the point of view of the police. Should the defendant choose to issue a public statement, or is later found not guilty or has the charges dropped, we will update this article accordingly.)
See also:
Lansdale Man Arrested On Strangulation, Child Endangerment Charges
Duo Caught In Hotel Room With Money, Drugs And Stolen Handgun: Police
Drunk Woman Crashes Into Metal Fence, Assaults Responding Officer In Hatfield: Police
Serial Catalytic Converter Thief Captured, Manna On Main Street Among Victims
Lansdale Man Arrested For DUI After Crashing Into Vehicles, Buildings: Police
