Herminie man gets 2 years probation for abandoning dog

A Herminie man was sentenced Wednesday to two years of probation in connection with the abandonment of a dog.

Shannon Proctor, 29, was ordered to pay $6,934 in restitution to Pet Friends in Irwin.

He pleaded guilty to cruelty and neglect of animals in connection with a dog found on a rural Sewickley Township road on Jan. 1 by a concerned citizen, according to court papers. The “terrified” animal had bedded down in thorny brush and was lured out with food, animal control officers said.

The dog was dehydrated with tremors and fleas and it had long nails and hair missing from its tail, according to court papers. It was taken for treatment and remains at Pet Friends, according to prosecutors.

Investigators posted a photo on social media of the dog in an effort to find its owner. Proctor’s wife contacted authorities and said Proctor told her that he took the dog on Dec. 29 to Pet Friends after it nipped at her face, according to court papers. Pet Friends confirmed the animal had not been taken there that day.

Proctor relinquished ownership of the dog as part of a plea agreement. He is prohibited from having pets during his probation. He paid $1,500 toward restitution.