Sep 18, 2025 2 min read

A Uniontown woman faces charges of aggravated cruelty to animals after her ex-husband’s dog was determined to have died of starvation in her care, court paperwork alleged.

Jessica Benedetto, 28, had been reported to police by her ex-husband, Brian Benedetto, who found the dog’s body wrapped in a blanket while visiting the home in August, according to the complaint.

Brian Benedetto told police he had not seen the dog since June, due to a protection-from-abuse order filed against him, the complaint said.

A veterinary clinic that examined the 7-year-old pit bull-terrier mix after its death found it to be emaciated, weighing 29.2 pounds instead of the 55 to 65 pounds normal for that breed and age, according to the complaint.

The dog’s rib, hip, breast and shoulder bones were protruding, and its eyes were sunken in, the complaint said. It rated a 1 out of 9 on the Purina scale of body condition, the complaint said. Purina’s website lists the ideal rating for dogs as a 4 or 5.

The clinic also found numerous signs of neglect or mistreatment, including abrasions, flea-like dirt and paw pads that had dirt embedded with a “greasy, fuel-like substance,” the complaint said.

The dog’s gastrointestinal system was empty, police said; the only thing in its stomach was dirt it had eaten.

Jessica Benedetto is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals – causing death and neglect of animals.

No bail or preliminary hearing date had been set as of Wednesday afternoon.