Pet rescue owner cited with animal cruelty
Ashley BooksLETTERKENNY TOWNSHIP - George Melvin Statler, the 84-year-old owner of Mountainside Pet Rescue, has been cited with 10 counts of animal cruelty.
Pennsylvania State Police, Chambersburg, on Aug. 22 investigated sanitary conditions at the pet rescue, 7705 Upper Horse Valley Road, Upper Strasburg.
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About 90 dogs, a pot-bellied pig, a donkey and a miniature horse were found on the property, police said.
Statler was hospitalized for 18 days when he was injured in a fire that claimed the lives of five dogs. The fire on May 18 also damaged several buildings.
Statler also suffered burns to his feet and side, and was treated at the Leigh Valley Burn Center. He returned home in June.
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The citations were filed through the district court.
(Incident PA2017-885940)