Police say Butler County woman kept animals in 'deplorable conditions'

A Butler County woman has been charged with animal cruelty after police say 10 German Shepherd dogs and three cats living in “deplorable conditions” were seized from her home.

Regina Pruitt, 48, of Butler is facing multiple charges of aggravated cruelty to animals and neglect of animals, as well as charges related to rabies vaccinations and application of dog license fees and permits. Regina Pruitt and Robert Pruitt, 55, of Butler are also both charged with endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person.

According to a police report, officers on Tuesday executed a search warrant at 212 Saxonburg Road in Summit Township for an ongoing animal cruelty case. Because of the home’s conditions, police wore hazmat suits and breathing apparatus to conduct the search, officials said.

Two officers from the Beaver County Humane Society and from the ANNA Shelter in Erie seized the dogs and cats.

The animals were considered to be in poor health because they were covered in feces, mites, fleas and lice, police said.

Butler County CYS was also called to the scene and determined the house unlivable. Summit Township zoning officers condemned the home “due to terrible conditions,” police wrote.

According to court documents, Regina and Robert Pruitt were both unable to post bail and are in the Butler County Prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 13.