May 7, 2008 By Josh Krysak 2 min read

BELLE VERNON – A Belle Vernon woman is facing multiple citations for cruelty to animals after police said they discovered four dogs living in deplorable conditions in her Belle Vernon home. Southwest Regional police said officers from the Fayette County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals filed the citations Friday against Rona Smartt, 44, of 35 Sampson St. before Magisterial District Judge Jesse Cramer following the discovery in mid-April.

Police Chief John Dale Hartman said the citations were filed after police received multiple reports of dogs that were possibly abandoned at the residence.

When officers arrived to check the home on April 17, Hartman said they discovered “deplorable conditions inside the residence, noting that “feces and urine were all over” the house.

Officers found three children as well as three pit bulls and a schnauzer living amongst the filth, Hartman said. He said that among the rubbish and waste scattered throughout the residence, police found several mattresses on the floor that were being used as beds for the children.

SPCA officials removed the animals from the home and Fayette County Children and Youth Services took two of the children into protective custody.

Hartman said police are continuing to investigate the incident and noted that further charges could be filed against Smartt.

She also faces two charges filed by police for illegal confinement of dogs, Fayette County Court records reveal.

Smartt does not have a criminal record.