CLAY TWP., Pa. (EYT) – State Police in Butler have charged two women for allegedly abandoning six dogs in a vacant house in Clay Township.
According to court documents, Butler-based State Police filed criminal charges against 31-year-old Tiara Mercedes Dunkle and 52-year-old Heidi Sue Dunkle, both of Kittanning, in Magisterial District Judge Lewis E. Stoughton’s office on August 14.
Police say on August 1, 2024, around 6:24 p.m., six Border Collie-type dogs were discovered abandoned in a vacant house at 147 Queen Junction Road, in Clay Township, Butler County, Pa.
According to police, the dogs were removed from the property as strays and transported to a local animal shelter.
Police noted that the dogs were filthy and covered in their own feces and urine. Several medical issues were revealed through veterinary examinations.
Investigative efforts revealed that the owners of the dogs were Tiara Dunkle and Heidi Dunkle. according to police.
They were charged with the following offenses:
– Neglect of Animals — Shelter/Protection, Misdemeanor 3 (two counts)
– Neglect of Animals — Shelter/Protection, Summary (four counts)
– Failure to License a Dog Over 3 Months of Age, Summary (six counts)
A preliminary arraignment is scheduled for August 27, at 9:30 a.m. with Judge Stoughton presiding