Man accused of abandoning dog at Warren gas station identified, warrant issued
WARREN - A man suspected of abandoning a dog at the Sunoco on West Market in Warren Friday has been charged as of Tuesday, January 20.
Healthy Hearts and Paws Project President and CEO Jason Cooke was able to retrieve the dog and says the dog is malnourished and is now safe and sound at The Healthy Hearts and Paws Project animal complex in Warren.
Cooke tells 21 News 47-year-old Jody Elliott was charged with a second-degree misdemeanor count of abandoning animals and a fifth-degree felony count of prohibitions concerning companion animals.
A warrant has been issued for his arrest, according to court records.
Cooke went on to tell 21 News that in addition to allegedly abandoning the dog, surveillance video shows Elliott allegedly punching the dog in the vehicle, prompting the felony charge.
Cooke says despite being a little underweight, the dog is doing well at the Healthy Hearts and Paws Project and is expected to make a full recovery.
