Allegheny County Man Facing More Than 50 Animal Cruelty Charges

OAKDALE, PA — An Oakdale man is facing more than 50 animal cruelty charges after authorities discovered there were several dogs on his property living in deplorable conditions.

Joshua Humes, 36, was charged by North Fayette Township Police earlier this week after they received a tip that several young dogs were inside a camper parked along Noblestown Road in Oakdale, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.

According to authorities, the anonymous tip also included photos that showed the dogs in small cages, as well as a buildup of feces, urine, and rotting food, indicating the dogs had not received proper care for a long time.

Following the tip, authorities said North Fayette Township Police went to the camper and eventually removed the dogs with the assistance of a humane officer. Police also located information that identified Humes as the owner of the camper and the dogs.

Authorities said Humes planned to turn himself in earlier this week, but authorities learned he was planning to leave the area.

Using various means, police tracked Humes to a trailer in Bulger in Washington County. Authorities took him into custody shortly after 6 a.m. Saturday. and transported him to the Allegheny County Jail.

“The details of the lack of care provided to these dogs and the indifference toward their
suffering are egregious and, quite frankly, sickening,” Sheriff Kevin Kraus said in a statement. “I consider anyone who engages in this type of conduct to be a danger to the community and I commend our detectives for their quick work to locate him and get him off the streets.”