Monessen woman ordered to stand trial in animal neglect case

By ERIC SEIVERLING
eseiverling@yourmvi.com
A Monessen woman accused of harboring hundreds of animals in her Donora and Monessen homes was ordered to stand trial on animal cruelty charges.
Christie Dee Harr, 41, who operates the nonprofit Animal Orphans Animal Rescue and Pet Sanctuary, waived her right for a preliminary hearing following a brief court proceeding Wednesday. Magisterial District Judge Mark Wilson denied a request by her attorney, Bruce Blissman, for a continuance.
“This case has been continued four times,” Wilson told Blissman. “That’s enough.”
Both Harr and Blissman declined to comment as they left the courtroom.
Harr is charged with one felony count of aggravated cruelty to animals – torture and one felony count of aggravated cruelty to animals causing serious bodily injury or death stemming from an investigation that began June 22, 2018.
During that investigation, police and humane officers found 104 animals living in deteriorating conditions at a site located at 320 Second St. in Donora, with one animal being seized.
On Oct. 30, about 150 cats, dogs, chickens and gerbils were rescued from the Donora site as well as Harr’s residence at 676 Reed Ave. in Monessen.
Harr has maintained her innocence and is currently raising funds for her legal bills through her Facebook page.
“Right now I am facing the biggest crisis of my life,” a post on Harr’s page says. “Either show your support or get out of my life.”
To date, Harr has raised $290 of her $25,000 goal.
Harr has also scheduled a cash extravaganza raffle event scheduled for late February at the Elizabeth VFC Bingo Hall to raise funds for her pet sanctuary.
Harr’s formal arraignment is scheduled for 11 a.m. Feb. 27 in Washington County.
She is free on $5,000 unsecured bail.