Cambria Co., PA (WJAC) — Authorities in Cambria County say charges have been filed against two individuals following an investigation into an alleged act of animal cruelty in Northern Cambria Borough.
Police say on October 11, an officer was dispatched to a residence, along the 1000 block of 38th Street, for a report of a dog found in the basement of a home with its "throat slit."
According to the affidavit, the dog's head was "severed" and the basement was filled with maggots and feces.
Police say as the officer was investigating, one of the residents, identified as 28-year-old Sara Galla, arrived at the home and was informed that the dog was found deceased.
Authorities say Galla initially claimed that she was unaware that there was a dog at the home, but later claimed that she had been caring for the dog, on behalf of her roommate.
Police identified the roommate as 24-year-old Devon Imler, who had reportedly arranged for Galla to care for his dog while he was at college.
Investigators say Imler claimed that he had last seen his dog, named Myles, in August prior to him leaving for college.
Police say Imler also explained that he would often Facetime with Galla in order to "check on" his dog.
Upon further investigation, police say they discovered messages, dated in early October, in which Imler reportedly texted Galla and told her "Myles is dead. That's why the house stinks."
Police say there were also discrepancies in the pair's statements about the last time that they had Facetimed one another.
Authorities also note that after the initial conversation with Galla, police received a call from one of the property owners, who lives in Washington state, who claimed that Galla had called and "threatened her," while also allegedly admitting to killing Imler's dog.
According to online court records, Imler was arraigned Thursday morning on charges of animal neglect, felony aggravated cruelty to animals and animal cruelty.
He is being held at the Cambria County Prison on $100,000 bail.
Officials say Galla was taken into custody and arraigned on similar charges Friday morning.
She is also being held at the Cambria County Prison, with her bail set at $50,000.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that Galla was taken into custody.
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