Warren woman facing animal cruelty charge, blames hectic dance c - WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren Ohio

WARREN  A Warren woman has pleaded "not guilty" to one misdemeanor count of cruelty to companion animals after two dogs were removed from her property over the weekend.

Tanice Sherre Patterson, 40, of Warren, was scheduled for arraignment on Monday in Warren Municipal Court. The charge stems from an incident on Saturday when Warren police and a local animal rescue organization responded to Patterson’s property in the 800 block of Packard Street NW.

According to a police report, an officer was approached by a concerned citizen Saturday afternoon who reported that a dog at the address had dug a hole to stay cool.

The officer reported finding a brown pit bull-breed dog lying in a self-dug hole. The dog's ears were infested with flies and insects, and a white bucket nearby contained dirty water with leaves and dirt. The National Weather Service reported the outside temperature at the time was 89 degrees, with a heat index of 92 degrees.

After receiving no answer at the door of the home, the officer contacted Jason Cooke with Healthy Hearts and Paws, who found a second pit bull chained, unable to reach a bucket containing dirty water. Cooke noted the collar around this dog's neck was too tight, making it impossible to slide a finger between the collar and the dog's neck.

Just before 1 p.m., the dog owner, identified as Patterson, arrived at the property.

Patterson told officers she was overwhelmed with dance competitions requiring her to travel and was unable to supervise her dogs, stating they were supposed to be cared for by a family member. Patterson voluntarily surrendered both dogs to Healthy Hearts and Paws.

Patterson is scheduled to appear in court again on August 13. In the meantime, the court has prohibited her from having any animals.

Cooke told 21 News that the dogs are said to be doing well at the Healthy Hearts and Paws shelter, which Cooke says needs donations, including monetary contributions, specific pet food brands, cleaning supplies, and volunteers.