CANTON, Pa. -- A man from Bradford County asked a longtime friend to feed his dogs while he was in the hospital. When he came home, eight of those dogs were dead. Now, the man who was supposed to be caring for them is locked up.
Thomas Shores, 57, of Canton, thought he could trust his friend Randy Howard to feed his 12 dogs while Shores was in the hospital for nearly two weeks. He even provided the dog food. But when Shores came home, nearly two weeks later, he found eight of his Jack Russell terriers dead and four others in need of veterinary care.
According to court papers, Randy Howard, 49, of Canton, agreed to feed the dogs and even assured Shores they were doing fine. He had a key to Shores's house, and dog food was provided.
But when Shores came home from the hospital, he found empty food and water bowls and unopened bags of food.
The dead dogs had dried out black tongues, sunken eyes, and their ribs were visible through their skin.
When questioned by police, Howard said he did feed the dogs, but he brought his own food for them.
Howard faces several charges of animal cruelty and neglect.