Possible Animal Cruelty, Robbery Investigations Active in West Kittanning
West Kittanning Police Captain Gahagan alerts local residents at last night’s public council meeting about robbers impersonating water authority employees. One such instance is under investigation by the police department - which might expand after Borough Council unanimously agreed to advertise for a part-time officer.
by Jonathan Weaver
West Kittanning Police also had a busy summer so far, and highlighted their concerns at last night’s public meeting.
Michael Hawley of Butler Road brought forth an animal cruelty concern that is visible on McKinley Street.
Hawley was alerted by a woman that the beagle-mix dog does not receive proper shelter and is in the homeowner’s yard for a majority of the day.
After seeing the dog outside for five continuous hours, Hawley reported the case to State Police and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), specifically due to the dog being not having adequate outside shelter.
“Shelter is very easy to define – a picnic table does not classify as ‘shelter,’ Hawley said.
Hawley ‘definitely’ wants to see charges under Section 5511 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code filed against the homeowner. He encouraged other local residents to ‘stand up’ and notify proper authorities of possible criminal behavior seen.
Council President Cliff Neal is also aware of the dog, and noted that the animal had no shelter - or food and water outside. Unfortunately, Armstrong County does not have a humane officer he could report the findings to, and a neighboring county cannot come in, so the only recourse is through local police.
Police Captain Gahagan said for charges to be filed, there must be evidence of the long duration without shelter. However, the homeowner was warned.
“I personally saw the dog in the hot, beating sun with no shelter whatsoever,” Neal said. “I almost got sick to my stomach when I saw that.”
Captain Gahagan also cautioned local residents to be alert for the presence of individuals appearing to be water authority employees in the neighborhood. One resident had items stolen from his home a few weeks ago after one of these individuals acted like they were checking the water pressure in the sink and washing machine.
Councilwoman Michele Cogley identified another man was soliciting for window replacement in the neighborhood earlier this summer.
Council Vice-President Bernie Bowser, Sr. knows the victim personally and recounted the victim’s story during the public meeting.
Hawley recommended that Council consider adding a security system to the plans for the new municipal building on Arthur Street – especially after the fatal shootings that occurred during a Ross Township, Monroe County, municipal meeting Monday evening.
After an executive session to review personnel, council unanimous vote 6-0 to advertise for a part-time police officer.
Captain Gahagan and Officer Airgood will remain with the force, but another will be hired to extend weekend police coverage.
Mayor Bernie Bowser, Jr. verified Officer Airgood’s role with the department.
“As of right now, he’s staying on as many hours as he can, but he won’t be able to work the shifts required on a weekly basis,” Bowser, Jr. said. “He can’t give us the weekend coverage we need – he’s going to be available some weekends, but not all weekends.”
Council President Neal later stated Officer Airgood was recently hired at another job on a full-time basis.
West Kittanning | jweaver August 7, 2013
By Nivasi, August 7, 2013 @ 4:27 PM
no food, no water, no shelter.. FINE the owner and take the dog to shelter in the area, let them charge owner daily charges