CANAL TWP., Pa. (ETY) — Additional details have been released in the case of a Utica couple accused of keeping over 50 dogs in deplorable conditions.
Court documents indicate 71-year-old Barbara Jean Ferguson and 75-year-old Samuel Lopez, both of Utica, are scheduled to stand for a preliminary hearing in front of Magisterial District Judge Andrew F. Fish at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15, on the following charges:
- Aggravated Cruelty to Animals — Torture, Felony 3 (ten counts)
- Aggravated Cruelty to Animals — Causing Serious Bodily Injury or Death, Felony 3 (ten counts)
- Cruelty to Animals, Misdemeanor 2 (twenty-four counts)
- Neglect of Animals — Sustenance/Water, Misdemeanor 3 (twenty-four counts)
- Divest of all Dogs Numbering Over 25, Misdemeanor 3 (twenty-three counts)
- Neglect of Animals — Shelter/Protection, Misdemeanor 3 (twenty-four counts)
- Neglect of Animals — Vet Care, Misdemeanor 3 (twenty-four counts)
- Cruelty to Animals, Summary (fourteen counts)
- Neglect of Animals — Sustenance/Water, Summary (fourteen counts)
- Neglect of Animals — Vet Care, Summary (fourteen counts)
- Neglect of Animals — Shelter/Protection, Summary (fourteen counts)
- Unlawful to Operate Kennel Without License, Summary
- Vaccination Against Rabies Required — Booster Vaccination, Summary (forty-eight counts)
- Vaccination against Rabies Required — 4 to 12 weeks old, Summary (forty-eight counts)
- Application Dog License/Fees, Penalties, Summary (forty-eight counts)
According to a criminal complaint filed by Assistant District Attorney Brenda Servidio, on December 10, 2018, Dog Warden Kane Kuzlor, members of the Venango County Sheriff’s Department, and members of the A.N.N.A. (Association for Neglected and Needy Animals) were present at the residence of Samuel Lopez and Barbara Jean Ferguson (also known as Barbara Jean Lopez) on Chestnut Grove Road in Utica, Canal Township, to complete a cease and desist order resulting in the ultimate removal of 48 dogs kept within the premises of the mobile home.
According to the complaint, the conditions of the residence included a caved in floor, debris, torn up furniture, and feces and urine throughout with a corresponding overwhelming odor of feces and urine. Four dozen dogs with obvious outward appearances of severe neglect were found on the premises, including one located in a birdcage, while others were located under the flooring.
The dogs were removed by the agencies unified in the rescue effort and were placed in the custody of the A.N.N.A. Shelter in Erie where they were immediately evaluated and found by veterinarians to have varying degrees of affliction.
The complaint notes that the dogs had multiple injuries associated with abuse and neglect. Agnes, Beauty, Bridie (located in the birdcage), Clyde, Cringle, Mandy (Molly), Noel, Sammy, Sophia, and Wonky were the ten most severely abused dogs and were in critical condition. Candy Cassie, Charlie, Emmie, Levi, Lucy, Maizie, Margo, Max, Merry, Odie, Olga, Ollie, Oscar, Penny (Susie), Sara, Tara, Tink, Trixie, Troy, Trudy, Vincent, Walter, and Zeke were in bad condition from severe neglect, however, they were not starved to the point of emaciation as the first ten listed were. Finally, Beau, Camille, Chip, Harold, Lacie, Lassie, Lou, Mandi, Marley, Marv, Minnie, Tatum, Theo, and Wiggles suffered general abuse and neglect.