Pittsburgh-area humane officers see an increase in abused, abandoned and malnourished dogs

Published

1 year ago

November 27, 2023

Pittsburgh-area humane officers see an increase in abused, abandoned and malnourished dogs

MCKEESPORT, Pa. (KDKA) — Humane officers in the Pittsburgh area say they are seeing an increase in the number of abused, abandoned and malnourished dogs.

Humane agents say places like Sable Kennel in McKeesport are becoming filled with dogs pulled from the street after their owners abandoned them.

“They’re tossing them out in the street. We’re finding them in abandoned houses, we’re finding them everywhere,” humane officer Dawn Weichler said.

The dogs often end up abandoned and starving. Many of the dogs end up dead, some are hit by cars and some are used by dog fighting rings to train more aggressive canines.

Weichler said she’s finding on average 10 abandoned and starving dogs. So where are some of these animals coming from? Weichler blames backyard breeders.

“We don’t have laws concerning the breeding,” she said. “I’m all for reputable breeding. I’m not for backyard breeding.”

“That’s a huge root of the problem,” she added. “Everyone is breeding and everybody wants a cute puppy for Christmas. Then when it’s not a cute puppy anymore, we toss them out.”

Many of the abandoned dogs at the kennels are also the result of people being lonely during the pandemic.

“During COVID, everybody wanted a dog, everybody got a dog. And now they’re tossing them out in the street,” Weichler said.

One of the problems, according to experts, is that the penalties for owners are often insignificant.

“I believe it $100 to $500 in court,” Weichler said. “It’s not strict enough.”

Weichler said the problem is everywhere, but there are certain areas that are worse than others.

“We’re finding them everywhere,” she said. “McKeesport is a huge area where we are having problems. Duquesne, Braddock, North Braddock.”

Ross Guidotti

Ross Guidotti, a Pittsburgh native and Point Park graduate , joined KDKA in 2001 as a general assignment reporter.

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Justin Fields sends clear message on his future with Pittsburgh Steelers: ‘I want to be here’

Published

11 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Press Room

Justin Fields sends clear message on his future with Pittsburgh Steelers: ‘I want to be here’

Justin Fields has not started since Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders, but it is clear that he wants to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Speaking with Kevin Gorman of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Fields minced no words when asked about his future with the team.

“I want to be here. I’m kind of tired of learning a new offense every year. This will be my third in four years. Of course, I’d love to be back, but that’s all up to God at the end of the day. I’ll be where God wants me to be,” Fields said to Gorman.

Fields led the Steelers to a 4-2 record during his six starts with the team. He threw for 1106 yards and five touchdowns to one interception through the air while adding 289 rushing yards and five more touchdowns on the ground.

Fields would not cost nearly as much as Russell Wilson, and if Wilson gets too expensive, it would make sense that Fields could return as the Steelers’ starter. They seem to like him, even if they pivoted to the veteran in Wilson.

Fields might not want to learn another offense, which would make sense, but he also may have to go where the opportunity best presents itself to get back on track as a full-time starter. Is Pittsburgh that spot, or will there be another team knocking at his door that can offer a better opportunity?

That is what Fields will have to weigh in his decision this offseason, but the Steelers do seem like a very possible landing spot for Fields after the season concludes.

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Pittsburg, PA

Man arrested on numerous weapons charges in Pittsburg

Published

20 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Press Room

Man arrested on numerous weapons charges in Pittsburg

PITTSBURG — A 27-year-old man suspected of illegally making and selling guns, including assault weapons, was arrested, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office said.

The law enforcement agency said they will be testing the weapons to see if they are linked to any crime or shooting.

The suspect, identified as Diego Vasquez-Gomez, was arrested on Thursday (Jan 2.) when detectives from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at a residence in Pittsburg. This was part of an ongoing investigation into a shooting at the Contra Costa Fairground in Antioch last September.

The shooting stemmed from an argument in which two suspects opened fire, resulting in a man suffering life-threatening injuries.

Detectives said one of the two suspects had used an illegally manufactured gun during the shooting.

During the search at Vasquez-Gomez’s home, authorities found assault weapons and a short-barrel rifle. Some of the weapons seized did not have serial numbers.

“The weapons will be tested to see if they are linked to any shooting or crimes,” said the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in a news release.

Vasquez-Gomez was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges including manufacturing a short barrel gun, manufacturing and selling of an assault weapon, illegal possession of an assault weapon, unlicensed transfer of a firearm and child endangerment.

Those with information on the case are urged to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313- 2600, email them at tips@so.cccounty.us, or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

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