Woman Charged with Aggravated Cruelty to Animals After Foster Dog Dies in Her Care

Woman Charged with Aggravated Cruelty After Foster Dog Dies in Pet Day Care Attack

A woman running a pet day care in Columbia, Pennsylvania, is facing charges of aggravated cruelty to animals after a foster dog in her care died following a vicious attack by her own dogs. Caitlin Michelle Perry, 30, of Houston Street, was charged by the Pennsylvania SPCA in connection with the incident that occurred on November 4 at her home-based day care, Wiggle Butts Co.

According to charging documents, a friend of Perry contacted the PSPCA after a white miniature pit bull-type dog named Archie was severely injured and ultimately died while under Perry’s care. The friend reported that Archie was attacked by Perry’s personal dogs while she was away at a neighbor’s house.

Upon returning home, Perry found Archie in critical condition, hypothermic and bleeding from multiple bites. Despite recommendations from a friend who works at the Humane Society of Harrisburg to seek immediate medical attention for Archie, Perry claimed she did not have the funds for treatment and opted to wait. Tragically, Archie passed away overnight while in the care of the friend.

The necropsy report revealed that Archie died from shock, blood loss, and pain from the bite wounds, and could have potentially survived with prompt medical care. Perry admitted to receiving Archie from a family that had neglected his veterinary care for over two years and had been slowly introducing him to her other dogs.

Perry’s lack of immediate action and failure to provide necessary medical treatment for Archie resulted in her arrest on charges of aggravated cruelty to animals. She is currently out on $25,000 unsecured bail and is scheduled for a hearing on June 14.

The PSPCA’s investigation also uncovered previous incidents of animal attacks at Perry’s residence, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of the animals under her care. The tragic death of Archie serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and prompt medical attention in cases of emergency.