Canton man charged by humane officer with animal neglect
A Canton Township man was charged Thursday by a humane officer with animal neglect and cruelty to animals after he allegedly abandoned his four dogs last month.
The charges against William R. Garrett, 49, of 128 Charles St., were filed at the office of District Judge David Mark by Cathy T. Cunningham, humane officer with CRICAAT, alleging that Garrett failed to provide the animals with proper food, water and shelter. The four counts of neglect by failing to provide food and water are misdemeanors, while the other charges are summary offenses.
Cunningham was contacted Feb. 16 by Chris Hammett, the township’s code enforcement officer, about dogs abandoned at 128 Charles. She and Hammett went to the home. Cunningham repeatedly knocked at the door but got no answer, according to court documents. She reported smelling a strong stench through the door.
There reportedly was garbage and debris around the house. Hammett went to the back of the house, and he and Cunningham could see two dogs sticking their snouts under the rear door. A fence prevented Hammett and Cunningham from gaining access to the door.
Hammett and Cunningham talked with a neighbor, who said Garrett had not been seen at the home for some time. The neighbor also confirmed there were dogs in the house and the animals had been barking and whining for at least two days, the court documents said.
Cunningham received a search and seizure warrant that day. Entry was made to the house with assistance of state police. Four dogs were found inside the basement, which was reportedly filthy with had a strong stench from animal feces and urine.
The dogs were removed from the home by Cunningham and taken to a veterinarian, who reportedly diagnosed the dogs as being malnourished and dehydrated. The dogs were released to Cunningham for ongoing treatment and care.
Garrett also has a pending summary charge of cruelty to animals filed May 26 at Mark’s office by Washington Area Humane Society humane Officer Glen Thomson. There has been no disposition of the charge because the citation was returned as undeliverable. Garrett is scheduled for an April 17 hearing before Mark.