Pocono News Section

Mother and Son Accused of Animal Cruelty

Mother and Son Accused of Animal Cruelty - Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 9:31PM EST

Reported by: Andy Mehalshick
Thursday, Oct 1, 2009 @ 09:31pm EDT
BUTLER TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY-- Donna Petrosky, 50, Butler Township, and her 20-year-old son John are accused of leaving their mastiff dog behind to die.

They lived on Avalanche Lane inside Beech Mountain Estates.

Police say they found the carcass of the mastiff in the house.

Investigators say the Petrosky's moved out.

When another person came to look at the house they found the dead dog.

A necropsy shows it was starved to death.

No one was home when WBRE went to the Pestrosky's new house.

People who live in Beech Mountain Estates are stunned.

They did not want to appear on camera.

One neighbor said, "I was surprised that it would happen in our neighborhood it's a shame. I didn't know what happened to the family. All of a sudden they were gone. I assumed they took the dog with them. I guess not!"

Another neighbor said, "The reason you have a dog as a pet you love it and take care of it. That is surprising and shocking."

These are serious charges.

If convicted, the Petrosky's face 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

They will have a hearing on October 21.