WARREN TWP., Ohio - An ongoing case involving two Warren Township residents and the death of a dog was waived to a grand jury on Monday.

In January, Shirley Sharpe, 74, and Rueben G. Gray, 63, appeared in court to face felony charges related to the death of a dog whose body was brought to a local shelter.

Sharpe and Gray each pleaded not guilty to a fifth-degree felony charge of prohibitions concerning companion animals. Judge Patricia Knepp set a personal recognizance bond of $50,000 for each person.

Court records show both Sharpe and Gray turned themselves in to authorities before their arraignments. As a condition of their bond, the court prohibited both individuals from owning, possessing, or harboring any animals.

The charges follow an investigation that began in December when a deceased pit bull mix was brought to Healthy Hearts and Paws Animal Shelter. Jason Cooke, the shelter founder, said the dog was covered in blood and had several broken bones.

Cooke said a veterinarian used X-rays to determine the dog had been hit with a blunt object. He described the incident as one of the most disturbing situations he has seen. The incident allegedly took place at a trailer park near Tod Avenue.

The Warren Township Police Department filed the charges under a state law that makes it a felony to cause serious physical harm to a companion animal.

Sharpe and Gray are scheduled to return to court for a hearing on Feb. 2.