Puppies rescued from Canton home die before surgery
State police said Tuesday that three puppies rescued from a home in Canton Township died before they could be taken into surgery.
The dogs had been removed from trash cans at 372 Beacon Ave. the morning of Oct. 20. They had been placed inside plastic grocery bags. Another dog was already dead when police arrived.
Initially charged in the case was Franklin Donley, 53, of Canton Township. On Thursday, Jessica Renee Vanderlee was also charged by state police.
According to the criminal complaint, Donley told police their dog had given birth to four puppies and then attacked them, and that he did not want his daughter to see the injuries.
Donley and Vanderlee each face several felony charges of aggravated cruelty to animals. Both are incarcerated in the Washington County jail on $50,000 bond.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Nov. 5.