Several puppies were discovered tied shut in plastic bags that were thrown in the trash this week, leading to the arrest of a guy. A woman is now being charged as well.
On October 20, three Pit bull-mix puppies were discovered buried in a garbage can on Beacon Avenue. All of them had serious leg injuries, and one was dead.
A neighbor heard screaming coming from the garbage bin, a woman told Channel 11. After saving the puppies, they discovered at least three more dead at the bottom. Additionally, they were bound in shopping bags made of plastic.
Franklin Donley, the owner of the puppies, is being held at the Washington County Jail on many felonies related to severe animal cruelty.
According to the criminal complaint, his dog gave birth. Donley claimed he didn’t want his 10-year-old daughter to witness what happened because he believed he witnessed the mother assault and partially maim the puppies.
On Thursday, Jessica Vanderlee was also charged. According to court filings, Donley and Vanderlee resolved the matter amicably, getting rid of at least four puppies and torturing them by putting them in plastic grocery bags.
According to the criminal complaint, Vanderlee was on State Parole for homicide by motor vehicle, thus Donley consented to accept responsibility.