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Steven Alston, 40, of Lebanon, entered open guilty pleas for 16 animal cruelty charges, including 14 felonies, on Wednesday, Jan. 19, according to a release by PSPCA.
Alston had previously been investigated after an anonymous tip lead to the search and seizure of 34 dogs from Alston’s property in October 2020, according to the release.
The felony charges stem from Alston cutting the ears of 7 Presa Canario type puppies with scissors without anesthesia; for the prolonged suffering of a German Shepherd, Sway-- who was found in "extremely critical condition with severe, necrotic wounds that had been left untreated"; and for three dogs who were found dead on the property from untreated injuries, as stated in the release.
Alston also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of cruelty to animals, and a misdemeanor count for neglect of animals – lack of veterinary care, authorities say.
Alston has been sentenced to serve a minimum of 6 months and maximum of 23 months of incarceration, followed by two years of probation-- and he is prohibited from owning, possessing or caring for animals during this period of supervision, according to too the sentence handed down by Judge John C. Tylwalk, who accepted the plea.
Restitution and fines were also ordered, and-- after his release, Alston is subject to random inspections of his property by Humane Law Enforcement officers, according to the PSPCA.
All of the animals rescued from Alston’s property, including Sway, made full recoveries and "were placed in loving forever homes," the organization says.
“The suffering of these animals was apparent from their bloodied and infected ears, to Sway who was clinging to life,” said Nicole Wilson, Director of Humane Law Enforcement. “We are proud to not only bring justice to these innocent souls, but to put them on the path to a bright future where they will never again be victims of such horrific acts.”
Anyone with information about this case, or other cases involving animal cruelty, is urged to call the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Cruelty Hotline at (866) 601-SPCA. Tips can be left anonymously.
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