3 charged as 61 animals removed from Monessen home

Sixty-one animals were removed from a Monessen home earlier this month that city police and rescuers said was in deplorable condition.

Three people were charged with animal cruelty and related offenses Wednesday while rescue groups work to rehabilitate the dogs, birds, chickens, cats, kittens and a rabbit. All of the animals were dehydrated and suffering from malnutrition, according to court papers.

Ryan Fiem, 42, and Charlotte Fiem, 47, are each facing 232 charges. Christopher Lee Conaway, 31, is charged with 25 counts.

Monessen Police and Westmoreland-based volunteer rescue groups Ninth Life and All But Furgotten went to the Fiems’ Schoonmaker residence on June 1. There were 47 cats and kittens removed from the home, authorities said. Several of the felines needed to have eyes and teeth removed. Many of them were suffering from infections, parasites and other issues, according to court papers. One cat died.

All of the animals were being kept in unsanitary conditions in cages and the home itself, police said.

The Fiems and Conaway did not have attorneys listed in online court records and they could not be reached. The charges were sent by summons. Preliminary hearings are set for July 22.

Jen Johnson, president of Ninth Life Rescue Center said she and All But Furgotten in North Huntingdon took in the animals for veterinary care.

“These guys can use all the help they can get, they’re in rough shape,” Johnson said.

Ninth Life posted photographs of the 32 cats it took in on its Facebook page, many of which appeared to have injuries and eye issues. Donation information for the two groups can be found on their websites: ninthliferescue.com and allbutfurgotten.com.