Four Wayne County women face animal cruelty charges

By SANDY LONG

WAYNE COUNTY, PA — Four female residents of Wayne County have been charged with various acts of animal cruelty in a collection of unrelated incidents. The victims included horses, rabbits, cats, dogs and a puppy.

The charges were filed by Dessin Animal Shelter’s humane police officer Marlene Metzger, who said that they are summary offenses, which carry fines ranging between $50 to $750 and the possibility of up to 90 days in jail.

The defendants are Geraldine Benson of Equinunk, Robyn Dolph of Waymart, Shaquanna Douglas of Honesdale and Nicole Gushlaw of Honesdale. Three of the cases await resolve, but Benson pled guilty to her charges and faces more than $1,400 in fines.

The range of incidents include failure to provide veterinary care for a horse which died soon after Metzger’s investigation; five horses living in a single enclosure filled with feces and urine and lacking adequate food and water; rabbits kept in filthy conditions without food or water; a mastiff suffering from malnutrition and mange; a pitbull puppy abandoned in an apartment and in need of medical care; and four cats abandoned in a house.

According to Metzger, the issue of abandonment continues to grow, particularly in times of economic stress. Metzger urged anyone struggling with providing care for their pets to contact their closest shelter for assistance. “You will not be judged for your decision,” said Metzger. “Anything is better than abandonment and the severe suffering, or even death, that animals experience in such situations.”

Dessin Animal Shelter suffered a fire last month that resulted in temporary closure of the shelter facility. The shelter reopened last week, but is unable to utilize its outdoor runs due to fire damage. Funds are being raised to pay for repairs and to expand the current facility. Donations can be sent to: Dessin Animal Shelter, Disaster Relief Fund, 107 Eighth Street, Honesdale, PA 18431.