Pennsylvania police discovered a house of horrors after investigating a report of an emaciated dog that was too weak to stand.
Sandra Alvarado, 40, of White Oak Borough reported on July 18 that she had found an extremely emaciated Doberman dog abandoned in a ditch on the side of the road. However, police determined the dog belonged to her and found it in such dire condition—featuring fleas, infections, ulcers, and open wounds with exposed tendons—that it could only be euthanized. The dog was dry to the touch despite recent storming, contradicting Alvarado’s claim that she had brought it into her home.
When police arrived at the residence, they discovered a home filled with urine odor and overwhelming flies. Animal clinic records confirmed Alvarado owned a Doberman named Anubis. Neighbors reported seeing the dog run away from the property multiple times.
Authorities obtained a search warrant for the home on Thursday and found deplorable conditions: dog crates packed with feces and stagnant urine, spoiled food, soiled litter boxes, numerous trash bags, and two firearms accessible to children. A 16-year-old teen was also found living in the residence.
White Oak Code Enforcement Officer John Snelson deemed the home uninhabitable. Alvarado faces five counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, three counts of neglect of animals, cruelty to animals, false reports to law enforcement, and endangering the welfare of children. She is being held at the Allegheny County Jail on a $10,000 bond and will appear for a hearing on August 3.
