North Belle Vernon man accused of animal cruelty

A North Belle Vernon man is facing a preliminary hearing next month after humane officers reported finding his dog with several open wounds and a large tumor.

Dan Karbowsky, whose age was not provided in court papers, was charged Tuesday with aggravated animal cruelty and neglect of animals.

Officers with All But Furgotten said they were notified of social media posts and contacted by witnesses on March 22 and 23 about the animal on Henry Street. The witnesses told officers that the animal had a tumor hanging from its chest and matted fur on its back end, according to court papers.

When officers arrived to investigate March 23, they found the matted hair compressed with mud and feces. The tumor nearly touched the ground and appeared to be seeping bodily fluids, and the dog had three other open wounds, according to court papers.

Karbowsky told investigators that the dog, named Echo, had been diagnosed with cancer and a whipworm infection in 2019, but he had not been back to a veterinarian since then because “he does not have the money for treatment of the canine,” according to court papers. The witnesses told authorities that they and others offered Karbowsky financial assistance to get the dog treated, but he refused the help.

The charges were sent by summons. A June 13 preliminary hearing is set. Karbowsky did not have an attorney listed in online court records. He could not be reached.

It was unclear from court papers if the animal was seized or surrendered. All But Furgotten posted March 24 on its Facebook page that the group was looking for an emergency medical foster home for a dog.