PITTSBURGH, PA — A man accused of more than 50 counts of animal neglect and cruelty was arrested early Friday after authorities tracked him to a trailer in Washington County, officials said.
Joshua Humes, 36, of Oakdale, was taken into custody without incident just after 6 a.m. by Allegheny County Sheriff’s detectives. He was transported to the Allegheny County Jail, according to Sheriff Kevin M. Kraus.
The arrest follows an investigation by North Fayette Township Police, who earlier this week charged Humes after receiving a tip about the condition of several dogs inside a camper on Noblestown Road in Oakdale.
Police said the anonymous tip included photos showing young dogs confined to small cages surrounded by feces, urine, and rotting food, indicating prolonged neglect.
North Fayette Police, accompanied by a Humane Officer, responded to the location and removed the dogs. Investigators later identified Humes as the owner of the camper and the animals.
Authorities had initially arranged for Humes to surrender himself on Monday. However, sheriff’s detectives began tracking him down after learning he may attempt to flee the area this weekend.
“The details of the lack of care provided to these dogs and the indifference toward their suffering are egregious and, quite frankly, sickening,” said Sheriff Kraus. “I consider anyone who engages is this type of conduct to be a danger to the community and I commend our detectives for their quick work to locate him and get him off the streets.”
Humes is being held on multiple charges and awaits arraignment.