City Releases Statements On Neglected Animals

Statements from city officials concerning the continued neglect of a dog at 189 South Church Street have been released this morning.
The statements give some insight into the situations. Additionally, the reason for the home being condemned in 2015 was for unsafe living conditions.

Statement by Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat:

"Statement from the city: 
Endangered Animal 07/22/2018

The city has dealt with these owners in the past. In 2015, we coordinated with the Hazleton Animal Shelter removed (7) puppies from 189 S. Church Street. Those dogs were ordered to be returned to the owner by Luzerne County Humane office. The Animal shelter complied with this order. The House was condemned by code enforcement. 

The situation that occurred on 07/22/2018; the police and fire departments were called to the property for a dog on roof. The fire department removed the dog which was then taken, by Hazleton Code Department, to the Northeast Veterinary Referral & Emergency Hospital in Plains. The hospital has released and returned the dog to the owners. The city of Hazleton does not have the right to take or hold any animal. A copy of the report was sent to the SPCA, dog warden. 
We are all sickened by the treatment and this horrible situation."

Additional information via Hazleton City Police Chief Jerry Speziale:

"There's been much concern about the issue with the dog on the roof.  In order to avoid misconceptions, the dog was missing and reported by the owners as possibly stolen.  A subsequent search by police located the dog had made it's way through an open window onto a roof.  Police responded and heard the dog and were able to locate.  HFD was contacted as well as Code enforcement and the dog was rescued and taken to an area animal hospital where the owners signed for treatment.

HPD and the City of Hazleton take animal and child abuse seriousley and will never stand for any type of abuse.
For your information

Jerry Speziale"

West Hazleton Police have also released this public message:

"The West Hazleton Police Department would like to advise the public that we have no jurisdiction over the case of animal abuse at 189 S. Church Street in Hazleton.  

We have received an overwhelming amount of messages regarding this incident both through this page as well as direct to the station. Our staff must review each message that is received to determine the appropriate action to be taken. This takes time for our staff to complete and then refer to the appropriate agency if necessary. 

While we are also concerned about the safety of this dog, along with all other animals within the community, we have no jurisdictional powers in this case. 

We ask that you please contact the appropriate authorities in relation to this incident."