North Union woman charged with animal cruelty
A North Union Township woman faces felony animal cruelty charges after two dogs in poor health were surrendered to an animal rescue.
A humane officer with Angels of Mercy Animal Rescue and Adoption Agency filed the charges against Bobbie Jo Harbaugh, 37, on Wednesday.
According to the criminal complaint, in March a humane officer received photos from multiple sources showing two extremely thin dogs that were surrendered. A woman reported that she had seen the dogs in Harbaugh’s home, and that the conditions were “unacceptable.” However, the woman did not identify Harbaugh by name to the humane officer. The complaint states this was due to concern for her “personal safety.”
The dogs were a 9-month-old dalmatian mix named Dottie and an 18-month-old mixed breed named Elmer. Both dogs were found to be underweight, while Dottie also tested positive for whipworm eggs.
Investigators received a message on social media in May that identified Harbaugh as the previous owner of the dogs.
Both dogs have since been adopted and gained significant weight, according to the complaint.
According to online court records, there is an active warrant for Harbaugh’s arrest.