Investigators in Northumberland County have been trying to find the person responsible for seriously hurting a puppy.
The animal was found just over a week ago at the bottom of a hill and Tuesday police filed charges against two people.
Police said a man from Shamokin admits throwing the puppy off an embankment. Investigators also said the man and his girlfriend lied about what happened.
The couple's neighbors tell Newswatch 16 they can't believe what happened.
The puppy is a survivor. Just over a week ago she was thrown off a hill at Saint Edward's/Mother Cabrini Cemetery near Shamokin. Now, her former owners face charges.
Tips led Coal Township police to Michael Wolfe, 20, and Angelina Coladonado, 19, of Shamokin. Both are accused of lying to police and conspiracy. Wolfe is charged with cruelty to animals.
Police said the 12-week-old pit bull was sick. Instead of taking the dog to a veterinarian, Wolfe admits in court papers he wrapped her in a towel and threw her off an embankment, a distance of about 30 feet.
"Now that I know who done it, in a way I'm glad they were caught. In a way I hope something gets done about it," said Wayne Clark of Shamokin. He lives on the same block as Wolfe and Coladonado. He sees the couple around the neighborhood but doesn't know them well. "Since it happened so close I feel sorry for the animal. I am a pet owner."
Other neighbors agree.
"No animal deserves to be hurt no matter what. Like I said, I can't imagine someone doing that to mine. There's places to take them, shelters, whatever," said Wanda Reibsome of Shamokin.
"A poor animal. It's just like a little baby. They're helpless. If they didn't want it, give it to someone or take it to the shelter. It's terrible," said Betty Coutts of Shamokin.
The puppy, now named Harper, is being cared for by Mostly Mutts, a no-kill shelter in Sunbury. She is still at the Sunbury Animal Hospital, recovering from head injuries.
No hearing date has been set for Wolfe and Coladonato.