PENNSYLVANIA — A Monessen couple is facing multiple charges after police say children and several pets were found living in unsanitary and unsafe conditions inside their home.
According to the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office, police were called to a residence along Graham Avenue on suspicion of animal cruelty. The report was made by someone concerned that animals in the home were not receiving proper care, including adequate food and water.
When officers arrived, they reported a strong odor of feces coming from the home. Cassandra Richards allowed police inside and showed them a pit bull being kept in a cage. The dog had water but no visible food at the time, authorities said. A bag of dog food was later located in the room.
Investigators said the home was in poor condition, with dog and cat food scattered on the floor and an infestation of flies and cockroaches. Litter boxes were described as unclean, and dead cockroaches were found throughout the house.
Inside the children’s bedrooms, police observed garbage piled up and cockroaches feeding on food left on the floor. The children’s mattresses were placed directly on the floor without proper bed frames.
Further investigation revealed two ferrets and a rabbit kept in cages without food or water. In total, one dog, five cats, two ferrets, and a rabbit were removed from the home and turned over to local animal rescue organizations.
Cassandra Richards and her husband, Mark Richards, have been charged with animal cruelty and child endangerment. Both were taken to the Westmoreland County Prison after failing to post $150,000 bail.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
