Charges Filed After Cats Found Dead In North Charleroi

NORTH CHARLEROI, Pa. — A man faces charges after police say they found nearly 40 cats, many of which were dead, at a home in North Charleroi.  According to court documents filed on Wednesday, Joseph B. McKenna Jr. was charged with 18 felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals causing serious bodily injury or death and 20 counts of cruelty to animals.  Police said they were called to a house on Fourth Street after neighbors reporting at least two cats were dead inside garbage bags on the property and numerous others were running around.  Officers reported the house was in deplorable condition both inside and out. Police said 18 dead cats were found in various states of decomposition inside the house and 20 living cats were found running around inside. McKenna told police he was going through personal issues and was struggling to take care of the animals. He was asked whether he had tried reaching out to the Washington County Humane Society, the police department, or a nonprofit for help, and he said he had not.  McKenna was taken into custody and is being held at the Washington County Jail.