More than 100 animals seized from Belle Vernon house
Owner jailed, facing numerous charges in abuse case
More than 100 pets were removed from the home of a Belle Vernon man kept in what police called “deplorable, filthy conditions,” including lack of clean food or drinkable water.
John Saxberg, 57, faces more than 1,000 charges related to animal cruelty, including more than 50 felonies.
Between April 12 and June 3, police and animal rescue organizations took 101 dogs and two cats from the residence, the complaint said.
Many of the dogs were taken to the A.N.N.A. Shelter in Erie. Five died after either testing positive for parvovirus, or an infestation by hookworm, roundworm or whipworm, the complaint said. Another five were humanely euthanized by the veterinarian after a medical diagnosis.
Another puppy taken to the Duck Hollow Animal Hospital in Uniontown died due to dehydration, hypothermia, and starvation, the complaint said. The puppy also tested positive for roundworm.
Saxberg had first contacted LifeSavers Animal Rescue in April for assistance, which led to him voluntarily surrendering 39 dogs to the Paws Across Pittsburgh rescue group, the complaint said.
The dogs were taken to shelters throughout Western Pennsylvania. Medical records described some dogs diagnosed with Giardia, an intestinal problem which can be fatal if not treated, and testing positive for other parasites, the complaint said.
The dogs had to be bathed six or seven times to remove urine stains and feces, and also had long, overgrown toenails, the complaint said.
Saxberg made further calls to Paws Across Pittsburgh, but did not follow up when asked for more information, according to charging documents.
Police executed a search warrant at the home, where they noted a “foul-smelling odor” that could be detected from the road, the complaint said. Sixty-two dogs and two cats were found caked in feces and urine inside the house.
Troopers also found piles of garbage and hundreds of flies throughout the residence, the complaint said. Testing done inside the home found the breakdown of urine put ammonia levels at 50 ppm, the level at which exposure starts to cause immediate nose and throat irritation in humans, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Saxberg is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals; cruelty to animals; neglect of animals’ sustenance, shelter and vet care; and summary charges for cruelty, neglect, not applying for a dog license and vaccinating the animals against rabies.
Judge Richard Kasunic set Saxberg’s bail at $85,000 Tuesday afternoon. He was lodged in the Fayette County jail.
His preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 21.