City couple accused of neglecting, starving 2 dogs

A Monessen couple is facing multiple charges after police say they found two malnourished pit bulls in their backyard and a veterinary report confirmed signs of starvation, infection and neglect, police said.

Billy Creighton Dupree, 38, and Tonia Lawson, 41, were both charged by Monessen police with two counts each of aggravated cruelty to animals – torture; aggravated cruelty to animals – causing significant injury or death; neglect of animals – failure to provide sustenance or water; and neglect of animals – failure to provide veterinary care.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, Monessen police were called to the 900 block of Chestnut Street around 2 p.m. Aug. 25 for a report of animal abuse.

Westmoreland County 911 dispatchers told officers the dogs were “outside all of the time” and appeared skinny, according to a report they had received.

When officers arrived, they found two pit bulls in the backyard, confined behind a four-foot fence. Both appeared severely underweight, with ribs and spines visibly protruding through their fur.

Children at the home identified their parents as Dupree and Lawson. Neither adult was present when police arrived.

Police followed up with Dupree and Lawson the same day.

Both allegedly told officers the “dogs were fine, they are not malnourished, they don’t need a vet,” the affidavit states.

Officers noted the dogs had since been bathed, appearing cleaner, but Dupree and Lawson showed no intention of surrendering them.

Police obtained a warrant to seize the animals later that day.

On Sept. 26, a forensic veterinarian reported that one of the dogs, a dark gray/ black pit bull, had gained nearly seven pounds in a short time and showed evidence of starvation.

The vet also found scarring on the dog’s ear flaps consistent with self-inflicted trauma due to untreated ear infections.

Additional symptoms included inflamed and infected ears, abdominal skin and paws—conditions linked to an untreated allergic reaction that caused secondary infections.

The veterinarian noted the infections required antibiotics, anti-fungal medication and treatment for significant pain and itchiness.

The dog also tested positive for exposure to bacteria from a tick bite.

The second dog, a gray pit bull, gained almost nine pounds shortly after being removed from the home.

It too showed signs of starvation.

A wound on its hind leg was determined to be caused by its debilitated condition from a lack of proper feeding, the vet reported.

Like the first dog, it also suffered from infected ears, inflamed paws and allergic conditions that had gone untreated.

Additionally, the vet observed excessive wear on the dog’s upper canine teeth, commonly seen in animals that chew on cage bars or fencing.

Arrest warrants have been issued for Dupree and Lawson.