South Greensburg woman denies animal cruelty charges, wants dog back

Paul Peirce
Tuesday, June 4, 2019 2:03 p.m. | Tuesday, June 4, 2019 2:03 p.m.

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Paul Peirce | Tribune-Review

Yenise L. Zimmerman, left, of South Greensburg departs Youngwood District Judge Anthony Bompiani’s office Tuesday with her attorney, Tim Dawson. Zimmerman was accused by borough police of aggravated animal cruelty after her 8-year-old Pug ran away May 9.

The attorney for a South Greensburg woman accused of aggravated animal cruelty and neglect for allegedly abusing her 8-year-old pug said his client will fight the allegations in court.

Yenise L. Zimmerman, 44, was arraigned Tuesday on complaints filed by borough police before Youngwood District Judge Anthony Bompiani. Citations for failing to have her dog, Paxton, properly licensed were also filed. Aggravated animal cruelty is a third-degree felony in Pennsylvania and could carry a potential penalty of up to seven years in prison plus a fine of up to $15,000, if convicted.

“I can tell you my client loves her pet,” said Tim Dawson, Zimmerman’s attorney. “She’s very upset about these charges and intends to vigorously defend herself at trial. She feels she’s falsely accused. This dog is like a child to her.”

Zimmerman has no criminal record.

Borough officer Steve Zemba said in court documents that police were dispatched May 9 to a report of a loose dog. They found a black pug on Poplar Street without a license or identification. The dog was about a block from Zimmerman’s home.

Zemba reported the dog “appeared malnourished due to the hip joints, ribs and rib cage being visible.” The dog was taken to K. Vet in Hempfield, where the veterinarian reported the dog tested positive for hookworms and required medication, was malnourished and suffered from dehydration.

Police said Zimmerman told them Paxton, who has skin issues and needs a special diet, had last visited a veterinarian more than a year ago. Police said the county treasurer’s office reported Zimmerman acquired a license for Paxton on May 13.

Dawson maintained Zimmerman got medication for Paxton and has taken “proper” care of him since she adopted him from a shelter in 2011.

He said police turned the dog over to a humane agency in the Latrobe area, but “Zimmerman loves her dog and wants him back.”

Zimmerman was released on $15,000 unsecured bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 2.