The Pennsylvania State Police made an arrest in the case of a German Shepherd who was found abandoned on the night of Friday, February 3, 2023, in freezing temperatures.
The dog was found in a crate behind Hobby Lobby on 1901 E. Third Street in Loyalsock Township.
Police in Montoursville responded to the area after being alerted to the situation and found the Voiceless Victim locked inside the crate, malnourished, and lying in feces. On top of the crate were a blanket and a bag of dog food. Troopers took the furbaby to the Lycoming County SPCA shelter and given the condition the dog was in, police investigated this as a case of animal cruelty. Authorities then reached out to the public for information on the dog’s guardian.
On Saturday, February 4, the Lycoming County SPCA wrote in a Facebook post, “As this is a pending investigation case, this animal is legally not ours and, therefore, cannot be listed for adoption until the case is finished and only if the shelter is awarded custody.”
PennLive reports that a spokesperson for the Lycoming County SPCA said that due to the dog being frightened when he/she was brought to the shelter, it has not been possible to examine his/her teeth to determine his/her age.
Authorities arrested 24-years-old MIRANDA NICOLE WALDMAN (pictured – via Facebook), of Williamsport. According to a press release by the Pennsylvania State Police and obtained by Voice For Us, a “Non-Custodial interview was conducted with WALDMAN at PSP Montoursville, where she confessed to being the owner of the dog and leaving it at the location of this incident.”
Given the dog’s overall condition and the fact he/she was left outside in frigid temperatures, troopers say WALDMAN will face animal cruelty charges.
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.
Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
On Tuesday, June 27, 2023, Clinton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Michael F. Salisbury sentenced 34-years-old JAMES ROBERT STANDRIDGE (pictured) to the statutory maximum of fourteen (14) years for two counts of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals.
Additionally, Judge Salisbury imposed an aggravated minimum sentence on both counts, meaning that STANDRIDGE won’t be eligible for parole until he serves thirty (30) months in state prison.
In January 2023, STANDRIDGE tied his dog Luna to a tree, shot her multiple times, and left her to die.
Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse said that before Judge Salisbury handed down the sentence, he told STANDRIDGE: “In 10 years as judge, I have never sentenced a defendant in the aggravated range (of the PA Sentencing Guidelines), but that will change today. You didn’t show ‘Lucky’ any mercy, and likewise, this Court will not show you mercy now.”
On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, JAMES ROBERT STANDRIDGE (pictured) appeared before Judge Michael F. Salisbury in the Clinton County Court of Common Pleas. STANDRIDGE entered guilty pleas to one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals by Torture, and one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals by Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury or Death, both felonies.
Crime Watch reports that Judge Salisbury asked STANDRIDGE to recount the facts that ultimately led to his criminal charges. STANDRIDGE told the Court that he had tied a dog named Luna to a tree and shot her two times. STANDRIDGE went on to say that he believed Luna was dead and left quickly because he saw a car coming. STANDRIDGE claimed Luna had attacked his older dog in his home in front of his children so he decided to shoot her.
At the pleas hearing, Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse “informed the Court that the Commonwealth would be seeking restitution for vet bills and other services provided by the Clinton County SPCA for Luna”, stated the press release by Crime Watch.
STANDRIDGE balked at the request for restitution, claiming that the SPCA had raised “more than $10,000” in fundraising following the news about Luna posted on social media. Judge Salisbury advised STANDRIDGE that he could dispute the restitution amount at his sentencing, and the Court would decide that issue at a later date.
Judge Salisbury ordered a pre-sentence investigation and social history report to be completed by the Clinton County Adult Probation Department prior to sentencing which was scheduled for June 2023. That report is expected to provide more information about STANDRIDGE and the circumstances of the crimes.
When Luna was placed in the care of the Clinton County S.P.C.A., staff aptly renamed her Lucky.
A few hours ago through a Facebook post, the Clinton County S.P.C.A announced that this sweet furbaby has just been adopted and her new family has renamed her Bunni.
Part of the post read: “The once 4 legged helpless girl who was tied to a tree in a wooded area with her own leash. Shot at 3 times, with two bullets striking her and one still remaining in her. She freed her own self from her collar, made it about 35 feet, and nestled down, where she laid for 6 days, in freezing temperatures, snow storms, no one seeing her until someone did and made the call to us, is NOW A VIBRANT 3 legged incredible dog. Still so forgiving of humans who once failed her! Taught so much love and patience during all of this process, FINALLY FINALLY has a home to call HERS! She has an incredible couple who I just know is going to spoil and love her endlessly! She deserves just that.”
The Pine Creek Township Police Department made an arrest in the case of a dog found shot in Clinton County.
Police recounted the heartbreaking facts in a news release and said that on January 27, 2023, Clinton County S.P.C.A. received a call from a motorist who was “traveling on Pine Mountain Road in the 1700 block, when the driver noticed a dog lying under some laurel bushes by the road in the area of a pull off.”
Officials with the Clinton County S.P.C.A. responded to the scene and found a brindle-colored female Pitbull terrier who was injured with visible open wounds. At first, officials thought the dog had been hit by a car but the findings on the scene revealed a different scenario.
S.P.C.A. agents in fact, found a pink dog leash tied to a tree close to where the dog was laying. A further inspection of the area made it apparent the dog had been tied to the leash and eventually got out of it. Additionally, officials found three bullet casings.
The VOICELESS VICTIM was taken to RoseBird Veterinary Center in Jersey Shore where X-rays revealed the presence of two bullets lodged in the body of the dog. Only one of the two bullets could be removed. The furbaby suffered “a shattered humerus bone and has undergone surgery and continues to be hospitalized,” stated the release.
On January 31, 2023, the Shelter Manager of the Clinton County SPCA contacted the Pine Creek Township Police Department and informed them of the situation.
Once the S.P.C.A. posted pictures of the dog asking the community if someone knew who her guardian was, calls started coming in with that information.
This was then passed on to the Pine Creek Township Police Department and officers made contact with 34-years-old JAMES ROBERT STANDRIDGE (pictured), of Jersey Shore. STANDRIDGE was asked to go to the station for an interview during which he admitted that the dog, named Luna, was his.
According to the release, STANDRIDGE stated that on January 21, 2023, he took Luna to the location where she was found, tied her to the tree, and fired three shots at her. STANDRIDGE added he thought Luna was dead.
STANDRIDGE was arrested on February 2, 2023, on two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals (Felony 3), one count of cruelty to animals (Misdemeanor 2), and three counts of neglect of an animal (Misdemeanor 3).
On the same day, this lowlife was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Keith G. Kibler and bail was set at $50,000.
Meanwhile, Luna, now aptly renamed Lucky, is in the amazing care of the Clinton County S.P.C.A. and the nonprofit posted an update on her condition.
Part of their Facebook post reads: “Her humerus is shattered. Her foot covered in maggots at the entry wound of one shot. It’s heart wrenching to even type it. She will [undergo] a repair of the shattered bones by pinning them, to try to prevent amputation when she is healthy enough to do so. She will face an extensive amount of recovery and therapy. She is the most gentle, sweetest dog.”
As you can imagine, Lucky’s medical care won’t be cheap and the Clinton County S.P.C.A. needs help. Please, click here if you wish and can afford to contribute. Thank you!
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.
Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
On November 3, 2022, at Lycoming County Court of Common Pleas, after a day-long trial, twelve jurors found 40-years-old ALYIA SHAVON WEST (pictured), guilty on four felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.
In September 2021, the Lycoming County SPCA was alerted to the conditions of four puppies at a property on Hepburn Street in Williamsport. Officials found the puppies, named Angel, Ice, Jr., Rocky, and Sky, to be lethargic and very cold to the touch. The furbabies were barely lifting their heads. They were taken to the SPCA and given fluids in an effort to help them. The puppies were tested for several ailments. They tested positive for coccidia, along with having liquid diarrhea. Sadly, Angel and Rocky passed away.
Experts testified coccidia can be treated with proper care and WEST failed to provide the puppies with this.
Officials accused WEST of ignoring obvious signs that four puppies were in need of immediate medical care.
WEST was charged with five counts of felony aggravated cruelty to animals, six counts of misdemeanor neglect of animals, and 11 summary charges of the same offense after the puppies were discovered.
According to NorthcentralPA.com, Human Society Officer Besty Sparling wrote in the report: “West said that her dog Snow had a litter of 11 puppies and she rehomed four or five puppies, one had died, and three were very sickly and she would like to owner surrender them.”
During the trial, Lycoming County Assistant District Attorney Taylor Jeanne Beucler, who prosecuted this case, showed the jury pictures of the puppies and asked: “Would a reasonable person have provided care for the puppies?” She then added: “None of us want to be here. This isn’t a topic we want to talk about.”
WEST will be back in court on March 2, 2023, for sentencing.
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.
Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
