CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man already charged with neglecting animals waived his right to a preliminary hearing on animal abuse charges Wednesday.
Michael A. Wells, 27, was charged by animal control with felony aggravated cruelty to animals-causing serious bodily injury or death, as well as cruelty to animals and two counts of neglect of animals-vet care, both misdemeanors, after police found a dog and two cats in his home, who were severely under weight.
In Feb. of 2024, Wells was charged with misdemeanor counts of neglect of animals and hindering apprehension after officials found a Great Dane in his home that was in need of veterinary care.
According to the affidavit of probable cause in the new case, on Oct. 17 a Human Society Officer received a call and photo evidence concerning a Great Dane which was “very thin, lethargic and unable to stand”. This dog was at his home on Turnpike Avenue.
The officer tried to make contact with Wells, but was unsuccessful. Fearing for the dog’s safety, she obtained a search warrant to seize the dog. She and officers from the Clearfield Regional Police Department returned to the property. Wells was taken into custody on an outstanding bench warrant.
She found the dog, Stella, lying in a bedroom, and unable to stand. They were able to get the dog into a kennel and transported her to the Clearfield County SPCA. While in the home, they also reportedly found two thin cats that were infested with fleas and had visible scabs on their bodies. They were also taken to the SPCA.
It is noted in the report that the officer had contact with Wells about the dog in July when Wells was living on South Fourth Street. At that point, the dog was already thin and she ordered Wells to get vet care for the dog. Wells took the dog to a vet and provided the information on the visit to the officer. That record showed the dog weighted only 96 pounds but was otherwise in good health.
When she did a follow up check on the animal, Wells had moved, allegedly because of outstanding charges.
After the dog was examined at the SPCA, a vet reported that Stella only weighed 77.6 pounds.
“Stella had minimal muscle mass, and all vertebrae, ribs and pelvis can be seen,” it says in the criminal complaint. Stella was very weak, does not extend her full body and occasionally “bunny hops” to move.
Both cats were also found to be under weight.
The case against Wells now moves on the county court for further disposition. Wells is being held in the county jail in lieu of $5,000 bail.
The criminal complaint in the original case details how Wells was given a written warning on Dec. 8, 2023 that a different dog, Lola, and her puppies needed immediate veterinarian care.
Records from a local vet hospital from Dec. 14, 2023 noted the dog was “very thin” with her spine and hip bones prominent.
Wells was given additional warnings to provide proof of follow-up care for the dog and a puppy which he never supplied.
A final written warning was issued on Jan. 30, 2024 and the dog was taken from him. After an exam by a vet, it was determined that the dog was underweight, with colitis, diarrhea, an ear infection and a food allergy, according to that report.
In November, a plea agreement for the first animal neglect case and additional cases of forgery and hindering apprehension was rejected by President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman. It was for only a 30-day sentence.
Wells has yet another case filed recently in which he is charged with misdemeanor hindering apprehension, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
