2 wanted on animal cruelty charges

Dogs found chained behind their vacant apartment have been turned over to an animal rescue organization.

Two people are facing charges after police discovered two neglected dogs chained behind a vacant apartment in West Mifflin earlier this month.

Tajah Unique Scott, 27, of Orlando, Fla., and Cecilia Littlejohn, 26, of Wilkins, Pa., are charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and three counts each of neglect of animals and cruelty to animals.

According to a criminal complaint, officers Tyler Scruggs and Noah Elder were dispatched to 20G Midway Drive around 4:49 p.m. Sept. 8 following a report of animal neglect.

An anonymous caller told police the dogs had been left outside with no food, water, or shelter and that the apartment’s occupants had not been seen.

According to the affidavit, officers found a young pit bull and a young husky chained to the gas meter behind the apartment.

The pit bull appeared slightly malnourished and the husky was described as severely underweight and in need of immediate attention.

Neither dog had access to food, water or shelter, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

Scruggs requested animal control, but dispatch reported that Sabol Kennel, the borough’s contracted provider, refused to respond, according to the affidavit.

While officers were still at the scene, a woman identified as Littlejohn approached them and stated the dogs belonged to her and Scott.

She told officers they had been evicted from the apartment Sept. 5 and had nowhere to take the dogs, according to the complaint.

Scruggs told Littlejohn the dogs’ basic needs still had to be met, regardless of their housing status.

He also told her the husky’s condition indicated a long-term issue.

Littlejohn claimed the husky had recently given birth and was struggling to feed, according to the affidavit.

During the interaction, Littlejohn called Scott, who confirmed the same information, police said.

Multiple attempts to find a shelter or rescue to take the animals were unsuccessful until Scruggs contacted South Hills Pet Rescue, which agreed to take them.

The dogs were taken to the West Mifflin Police Station and turned over to the rescue, according to the affidavit.

Scruggs later contacted Allegheny County Humane Officer Jonathan Richardson and informed him of the situation.

On Sept. 10, Scruggs and Richardson attempted to locate Littlejohn and Scott but were unsuccessful.

Officers also tried reaching them by phone and at other addresses they had provided, where they were allegedly staying with the puppies, but neither individual has contacted police about the dogs since they were seized.

South Hills Pet Rescue later informed Scruggs that the husky was found to have multiple types of worms.

Warrants have been issued for their arrest.