1 dead dog and 2 others infested with fleas prompt charges against Derry man

A Derry Borough man is facing animal cruelty charges after police said he failed to get his dogs veterinary care, according to court papers.

One dog died and two others had severe flea infestations and Lyme disease, borough police said in court papers.

Authorities spent about five weeks trying to get William Michael Adreon, 45, to take the remaining two dogs — King and Royalty, both huskies — to a veterinarian for treatment. Borough police worked with a humane police officer May 25 to visit the canines at Adreon’s South Chestnut Street home.

King appeared to be OK and Royalty was lethargic and thin with patches of fur missing and flea bites. Police said they learned that Gracie, also a husky, had crawled under a bed and died a couple months earlier.

Investigators told Adreon to make vet appointments, but later found he either canceled the appointment or didn’t show up, according to court papers. On July 3, authorities seized the remaining two dogs. They were being cared for at a shelter.

Adreon was charged Wednesday with aggravated cruelty to animals, neglect of animals and related offenses. He is free on $5,000 unsecured bond. A preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 4. He did not have an attorney listed in online court records and could not be reached.