Apr 27, 2017 2 min read

A Washington man arrested Tuesday by city police for allegedly running a methamphetamine lab out of his West End home is also facing animal neglect and other charges related to two pit bulls found inside his residence.

William Berdine, 38, of 455 Ewing St., will be charged by the humane officer with Washington Area Humane Society with animal neglect, refusing to get veterinary care and keep animals in unsafe conditions after the male and female pit bull were found inside the home. The male dog had an abscess on his foot. Animal Control Services was called by city police, and Gina Secreet kept the dogs until the humane society arrived at the home.

Berdine agreed to surrender the dogs to the humane society, said Kelly Proudfit, humane society executive director. The dogs will be cared for at the humane society and be available for adoption in about a week, she added.

Police were called to Berdine’s home after a neighbor reported a strong chemical smell coming from the house. The caller was worried that the frequent fumes might be causing them to suffer neurological problems.

Detective Joseph Fichter went to the home to talk with Berdine. As he approached the house, Fichter said he could smell a slight odor of a chemical. When Berdine opened the door, Fichter said there was a highly noxious odor coming from the residence. Berdine was asked to come out of the house. He reportedly gave police permission to search the home and allegedly told officers he was cooking meth again. Berdine faced similar allegations six years ago.

The state police clandestine response team was called to search the home and verified meth was being manufactured inside the residence.

Berdine was arrested on charges of operating a meth lab, possession with the intent to manufacture a controlled substance, manufacture with the intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia and risking a catastrophe.

Berdine remains in Washington County Jail on $35,000 bond.