North Huntingdon woman charged with animal cruelty after blind, thirsty pugs found in condemned home, police say

A North Huntingdon woman is charged with animal cruelty after police said two dogs were rescued from her home, which was condemned Tuesday.

Both of the pugs are permanently blind because of eye infections and they were suffering from complications related to water deprivation, lack of veterinary care and living in unsanitary conditions, according to court papers.

Constance K. Peripanos, 48, is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, neglect of animals and related offenses. She was arraigned Thursday and is free on her own recognizance.

Township police conducting a welfare check at Peripanos’ home Tuesday said they encountered a foul odor. There were dog feces smashed into the floor boards of every room on the first floor, puddles of urine and bugs flying around, according to court papers.

The two dogs appeared to be sick and, when officers provided them with water, “they both drank uncontrollably,” police said in court papers.

Once police got a search warrant, humane officers took the dogs and showed officers that the canines’ toenails were overgrown and curled back, causing injuries to their paw pads. A veterinarian determined both were blind as a result of the eye infections, according to court papers. Police said neither animal had received veterinary care in several years.

Peripanos did not have an attorney listed in online court records. She could not be reached. An Aug. 24 preliminary hearing is set.