Warren Township Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of two people who face felony charges in a case that Health Hearts and Paws Animal Shelter founder Jason Cooke calls one of the most disturbing situations he has seen.

Warren Township police filed charges Wednesday against Rueben G. Gray, 63, and Shirley Sharpe, 74. Both are charged with prohibitions concerning companion animals, which is a fifth-degree felony in Ohio.

The investigation began in early December after a deceased dog was brought to Healthy Hearts and Paws, a local animal shelter. Jason Cooke, the head of the shelter, said the dog was a pit bull mix.

Cooke said the dog was covered in blood when it arrived. The shelter worked with local police to take the animal to a veterinarian for X-rays. Medical tests showed the dog had suffered several broken bones. Cooke said the injuries were consistent with being hit by a blunt object.

The incident allegedly happened at a trailer park near Tod Avenue. Cooke described the scene as one of the most disturbing situations he has seen. He said the dog did not die of natural causes and appeared to have been beaten.

"Kudos to Warren Township for all the work they put in investigating this matter," Cooke said. He said the police worked hard to bring justice for the animal.

The charges were filed under state law, often called Goddard’s Law. The law makes it a felony to cause serious physical harm to a companion animal.

The images of the dog’s injuries are graphic, and 21 News has chosen not to publish them