Animal Control Officer Faces Criminal Charges

MASONTOWN, Pa. — An animal control officer is facing felony charges in connection with the deaths of two dogs. Those dogs escaped from their leashes earlier this month in Masontown, Fayette County. Their owner, Lara Mickey, says the dogs were “loved beyond measure,” and they searched to bring them home. Instead, investigators say animal control officer Sam Vargas took the dogs to his home and 24 hours later, shot them both in the head. “Even if you don’t have a microchip, they should be held for 48 hours at a proper kennel,” Mickey said. “So the owner has a chance to try and find them, like we were.” According to the Fayette County District Attorney, Vargas is a contracted officer for several boroughs and townships, but he is not licensed as a kennel operator. By law, investigators say he should have transported the dogs to a licensed facility, where they would have been held for two days. Instead, police say Vargas claimed one of the dogs “snapped” at him, though he had no visible injuries. Witnesses told investigators he admitted saying, “Well, f— this then” before shooting the dogs. Vargas is now charged with felony cruelty to animals. The family says they are devastated and demanding accountability.