Puppies rescued from Canton home die before surgery

Three puppies rescued from a Canton Township home died before they could be taken into surgery, state police said Tuesday.

The dogs were pulled from trash cans at 372 Beacon Avenue on the morning of October 20th. They were placed in plastic grocery bags. The other dog was already dead when police arrived.

Franklin Donley, 53, of Canton Township, was initially charged in the case. Jessica Renee Vanderley was also charged Thursday by state police.

According to the criminal complaint, Donley told police that their dog gave birth to four puppies and then attacked them, and that he did not want his daughter to see the injuries.

Donley and Wanderley are charged with aggravated cruelty to animals. Both are being held in the Washington County Jail on $50,000 bail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Nov. 5.