WARREN A Warren man charged with animal cruelty after two dogs were found neglected at a home pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Warren Municipal Court.

Tashawn Fambro, 40, of Milton St. SE, appeared before Judge Patricia Knepp. He is facing one count of cruelty to animals, a second-degree misdemeanor.

On Monday, officers responding to a report of a loose dog found two dogs chained outside a house that had been vacant since February. Both dogs appeared to be in distress, panting heavily with no water and little food, according to investigators. One dog had open, fly-covered wounds on its ears, and the other dog appeared to be malnourished with visible ribs, missing fur patches, and covered in flies.

Jason Cooke, who leads the Healthy Hearts and Paws animal rescue, assisted police in taking custody of the dogs for treatment.

During his court appearance, Fambro entered a not guilty plea. He was released on a $10,000 bond, with the condition that he cannot own, harbor, or possess any animals.

Fambro is scheduled to appear in court again for a contested hearing on July 28.