Pocono News Section

Shamokin Animal Abuse & Neglect Cases

Shamokin Animal Abuse & Neglect Cases - Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 11:50PM EST

Shamokin, Northumberland County-

Not one, but two cases of animal abuse are under investigation in Northumberland County, keeping Shamokin police and Pennsylvania SPCA officers very busy.

Our cameras were there as humane officers from the Pennsylvania SPCA took three dogs and eight cats from Warren and Theresa Campbell's home on South Diamond Street.

The dogs were visibly malnourished and officials say conditions inside the home were filthy. In fact, the place has been deemed unfit for human habitation.

Jeff Burns, of Shamokin, said, "Well if you have animals you should take care of them. You know, feed them, water them, take them for a walk. Do what you gotta do, that's all."

The Campbells had nothing to say to us as they came out of the Shamokin Police Department Thursday afternoon.

This situation comes less than 24 hours on the heels of another animal neglect case within the city.

Wednesday night, police and SPCA officers were called out to a Annette Phelps’ home on Vine Street, just minutes away. Four adult Chihuahuas, five puppies, and a cat were found stuffed in a freezer in the home.

Only two of the dogs survived, and officials say both were extremely malnourished. Neighbors say they're disgusted with owners who don't properly care for their pets.

Neighbor Michael Bogetti said, "To tell you the truth she should go to jail for what she did. Them animals, I mean they're not human beings, but they're living, breathing, and if you have them, take care of them."

People in this community say there are plenty of good homes for the neglected pets.

Bogetti added, "There's I don't know how many people in this town that they could have gave those animals to, but no, she left them in the house locked in there for days without food. It's disgusting."

Shamokin police tell us any potential criminal charges in these two cases would be filed by the Pennsylvania SPCA.

Humane officers leaving the scene today declined comment.