LACKAWANNOCK TWP., Pa. - A Mercer County man is charged with animal cruelty after police say he abandoned a dog at his mobile home for approximately one month.

According to a press release from Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), troopers were called to the Forest Brook Trailer Park in Lackawannock Township in late June regarding an abandoned dog.

A woman told troopers she had not seen her neighbor, identified as 61-year-old Michael Kienast, for about one month.

According to the release, troopers saw a hole near Kienast's front door, as well as chew marks on the side of the mobile home indicating that the dog was trying to escape.

Troopers described the conditions of the inside of the mobile home as "extremely deplorable." Troopers also saw a picture of the dog taken before it was abandoned and say it appeared to weigh significantly more than it did after.

According to the release, Kienast came to the Mercer County PSP post to fill out a surrender animal release form and agreed to answer questions regarding the incident.

Troopers say Kienast admitted the dog was his and he abandoned it about three to three and a half weeks prior to the incident.

Kienast allegedly told troopers he left food for the dog in a bag and a few bowls of water for it, but never went back to check on it. The dog is now in the care of the Anna Shelter in Erie, Pennsylvania.

According to court records, animal cruelty charges were filed against Kienast as of July 12. He is due back in court for a preliminary hearing August 18.