Canton man to stand trial on animal cruelty charges
A Canton Township man was ordered to stand trial on animal cruelty charges after he failed to show up for a preliminary hearing Tuesday.
District Judge David Mark, in ordering William R. Garrett, 49, of 128 Charles St., held on four counts each of cruelty to animals, neglecting animal by failing to provide it with clean and sanitary shelter and neglect by failure to provide clean water, said he will ask the court to issue a warrant for his arrest.
Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter
Holly Tonini/Observer-Reporter
This home at 128 Charles St. in Canton Township was deemed a dangerous structure after a humane officer reported finding four abandoned and malnourished dogs inside it.
Humane Officer Cathy Cunningham of CRICAAT met Chris Hammett, township code enforcement officer, at the home Feb. 16 after getting a report of abandoned dogs. Garbage and debris reportedly surrounded the home.
Cunningham and Hammett went to the back of the house and saw two dogs poking themselves out from under a door that had been chewed on. A neighbor told the officers Garrett had not been seen for some time and the dogs had been barking and whining for several days.
Cunningham obtained a search warrant from Mark and returned the following day. Four dogs were found inside the house, malnourished, dehydrated and infested with fleas, according to an affidavit filed by Cunningham.
Cunningham took the dogs to a veterinarian for treatment. All four animals have since gained weight and medically sound, she said Tuesday.
“They are doing great,” Cunningham said. “It is amazing what proper care can do for them.”
The house has since been declared a dangerous structure, Hammett said, adding it will be tagged for demolition.
Garrett is scheduled to be formally arraigned on the charges May 24.
He is also faces a citation filed by Trinity Area School District police for failing to comply with the state’s compulsory attendance law.