Three plead guilty to animal cruelty charges in Philadelphia area

A man who left his dog in a sun-baked car, one who didn’t treat his dog’s medical problems and a cat hoarder were all convicted last week of animal cruelty charges, the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced.

Buddy the cat was recently adopted and given a new home after being rescued from “unsanitary conditions” in the Northeast Philly home of Brian Grant. Grant pleaded guilty to keeping 15 cats in his home on the 5000 block of Castor Avenue in Lawncrest, the PSPCA said.

Grant pleaded guilty to one summary count of unsanitary confinement of cats on Sept. 7. On the same day, two other cases were resolved. He was order to pay a $50 fine and is prohibited from owning pets for three months.

John Aleman, of the 1200 block of Passmore Street in Oxford Circle, pleaded guilty to failing to provide veterinary care to his dog, a Shih Tzu mix named Cutie, who was found to have “severe matting leading to skin wounds,” the PSPCA said.

Aleman forfeited Cutie to the PSPCA and has been adopted by a new owner. Aleman was ordered to pay a $50 fine and is prohibited from owning animals for three months.

In another case, a man who left his pit bull inside a hot car will get his dog back after pleading guilty.

Antonio Sellechia, of Richard Road in Bensalem, was convicted of leaving his pit bull Bones inside a car, causing the dog to experience heat stroke.

Bones survived, and has been in the care of the PSPCA.

Sellechia will pay a $200 fine and is prohibited from animal ownership for three months, but is getting Bones back —under PSPCA supervision.

“The PSPCA will have regular inspection rights to ensure Bones is cared for and being given his proper medication,” the organization said in a news release.

“It is our hope that through this important work and the education of citizens throughout our state and country, that someday we will put an end to all animal cruelty and the prosecution of offenders will not be necessary,” said Rebecca Glenn-Dinwoodie, PSPCA director of humane litigation.

To report animal cruelty in Philadelphia or around the state to the PSPCA, which is 100 percent donor-funded, call their hotline at ​(866) 601-SPCA.