A Fayette County man has been taken into custody and faces more than 1,000 charges for alleged animal cruelty and neglect.
According to Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele, John Saxberg, 57, is facing charges stemming from “a suspected illegal kennel operation” at a property on Main Street in Washington Township.
According to DA Aubele, Saxberg is accused of putting multiple animals to “deplorable conditions” and “circumstances constituting torture,” with around ten animals sustaining major bodily injuries. Eleven pets died after being saved from illness or euthanasia, according to the criminal complaint.
Last month, the Erie-based ANNA Shelter posted photos from inside the residence that revealed grime covering several surfaces and what seemed to be excrement on the floor. More than 100 canines were seized from the residence between April and June, according to officials. The animals lacked access to adequate food and water due to their living conditions.”We will not tolerate it in this county, and it will be prosecuted,” Aubele stated.
According to court documents, Saxberg is facing a total of 1,029 felony counts, including severe cruelty to animals, cruelty to animals, animal neglect, dog licensing penalties, and vaccine violations. Court records show that 52 of the accusations Saxberg is facing are felonies.There are ten charges of torture, and that is how we describe it,” Aubele stated. “We have animals that were suffering from conditions that would have caused prolonged pain.”
According to online court records, Saxberg was arraigned on Tuesday afternoon and is currently being held in the Fayette County Prison after bail was set at $85,000. A preliminary hearing for Saxberg is set for late next week. If Saxberg is found guilty, Aubele believes he will face jail time.
The Borough of Belle Vernon has issued a warning to the home. The notice states that it is dangerous for human occupancy.”It was pretty obvious they hadn’t been outside and had been living in their own urine and feces for a long time,” said Ruth Thompson, director of the ANNA Shelter. “Our team members were just really disgusted by the fact that not only the animals were living out of that, there were humans living inside of that, or at least one human.”
The shelter is still medically clearing the dogs in the poorest condition, she added, adding that seven dogs were recently placed for adoption. Thompson emphasized that adopting some of the dogs is an excellent approach to help the shelter’s efforts.
Authorities took over a month to bring these accusations due to the large number of canines implicated, Aubele stated.”I’m glad he’s being held responsible and accountable,” Thompson added. “And I’m honestly happier that no animals are there anymore, that they’re safe, they’re happy, they’re with us.”
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