Pocono News Section

Neighbors Upset Over Dogs' Living Condition

Neighbors Upset Over Dogs' Living Condition - Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 6:19PM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Thursday, Oct 16, 2008 @ 06:19pm EST

BLAKESLEE, MONROE COUNTY -- A man jogging through the Stonecrest Development said he stopped by his neighbors' home when he heard dogs barking inside the garage, only to find piles of feces and no food or water.

"I gave them water through the window with a hose and some dog biscuits," said Kirk Bontempo. "They're beautiful dogs and they deserve better."

But Bontempo said the dogs' owners moved in about four years ago, and their confinement is nothing new.

"I've never seen the dogs outside, in the front yard or the back, even walking," said Bontempo. "I always hear them barking from the garage."

He thought the owners abandoned the home. Sheriff's sale papers and a PP&L shutoff notice tipped him off. So, he called the county's dog warden and police.

"The garage is filthy," said Det. Daniel Jones with the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department.

Det. Jones made several phone calls and talked to the owner, Giovanni Rosas, who says he already planned on giving the dogs up for adoption this weekend. Det. Jones says if Rosas doesn't, he'll take charge on Monday.

"I'm going to speak with the district attorney to see if animal cruelty charges are appropriate," said Det. Jones.

He said the law doesn't allow him to take possession of the dogs as of Thursday, because they had some water and food. He said the SPCA will most likely check on the dogs and speak to the owner on Friday , with the hopes of getting the dogs turned over by the weekend.