Pennsylvania State Police on Thursday announced charges in an animal cruelty case in Fayette County.
Police have charged Ryan Murphy and Paige Miske with aggravated cruelty to animals, neglect of animals and several other charges.
Troopers responded two weeks ago to a home in the 800 block of Clover Street after a report of a dead animal seen inside. A witness told police they had not seen the couple who lived there in several months and became concerned after spotting a thin, tan-colored dog through a glass door.
From outside the house, troopers saw a dead tan dog and two cats inside. Officials said the house was in a “severe state of neglect,” describing large amounts of feces visible and a strong odor.
After obtaining a search warrant, troopers removed two dogs and two cats from the property.
One dog was found dead, barricaded in a back room with no way of escaping. Another dog — this one darker in color — was found dead in a bedroom closet.
There was no accessible food or water for the animals, state police said, and one of the dogs had attempted to chew through a mattress.
North Life Rescue transported the animals to their facility. Both cats were found to be severely dehydrated and are now receiving care.