Butler County couple facing several charges after child and dozens of animals found in home
SUMMIT TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) - A Butler County couple is being accused of living in deplorable conditions with their child and more than a dozen pets.
State police executed a search warrant at the home on Saxonburg Road in Summit Township and they removed 10 German Shepards and three cats, all of which were in poor health and had fleas, lice and mites. State police said the stench was so unbearable, troopers had to wear HAZMAT suits with breathing apparatuses inside the home.
"It's just totally disgusting," said Debbie Vensel, who lives nearby. "It's very disturbing. It's hard for me to understand how people can live in those conditions."
Regina and Robert Pruitt lived in the home, along with a child who has autism.
"To live like that, that must be all that he knows. That kind of a life -- I just can't imagine it. It looked like the house was covered in feces," said Vensel.
Children and Youth Services determined the home was unlivable for the child and a zoning officer condemned the property.
Regina Pruitt faces a massive list of animal cruelty and neglect charges. They're both facing charges of endangering the welfare of a child.
Since the animals were rescued, the ANNA Shelter reports they received immediate care and are doing okay.
