Bentleyville Man Faces Trial On Animal Cruelty Charges

A preliminary hearing for a Bentleyville man facing nearly 100 animal cruelty charges was held Monday. Fredrick Frameli, 74 had his charges held for court for allegedly starving and mistreating 12 dogs in his home. An investigation began when police were alerted about the emaciated condition of two dogs Fermeli brought in to a Peters Township veterinarian in December of 2023. According to State Police testimony, Frameli was served a search warrant on January 23 and 12 dogs were found in deplorable living conditions and all of them exhibited signs of starvation and neglect. The dogs were taken into police custody and transported to a veterinarian for care that included being fed, bathed and having their fur shaved due to severe matting. Frameli’s attorney asked if photographic evidence existed of the search and the trooper showed him and the judge dozens of photos depicting the conditions of the home and dogs that she described. Frameli will be arraigned on all 96 charges he faces on March 28. He remains free on $500,000 bond.