The surviving dog is at the Orphans of the Storm animal shelter.
A Vandergrift man has been accused of killing one dog and nearly starving another.
51-year-old Michael Alan Downes was arrested yesterday by Manor Township Police. According to Armstrong County Jail inmate database, Downes is a citizen of the United Kingdom. He is listed as a widower.
The story broke on October 10 when a hiker found two male dogs locked in metal crates in a creek near Polka Hollow Road in Burrell Township near Cochran Mills Road.
A reddish dog was dead. The surviving injured dog was transported to Orphans of the Storm in Rayburn Township. There were no identification collars on either dog.
Manor Township Police Officer Mark Brice explained what happened yesterday.
Downes
“Michael Downes of Vandergrift was arrested on a felony warrant. He was arraigned at Magistrate (James) Owen’s office (in Kittanning). The bond was set at $2,500. That’s all that we are releasing at this time,” Brice said last night.
Charges included Neglect of Animals (not providing shelter or protection), Cruelty to Animals, and Aggravated Cruelty to Animals Causing Death.
No hearing date has been set at this time. Downes remains in the Armstrong County Jail.
Don`t know how they tied these dogs to their owner without ID but if he is guilty of this act, I`d like to meet him privately. Makes me sick.