CARLISLE, Pa. — A Carlisle couple has been charged with neglect of an animal after police claim they refused to seek medical treatment for their ailing dog.
Maurice Caston, 52, and Stephanie Steinmuller, 43, both of Carlisle, were charged on September 27 following an investigation by Middlesex Township Police, charging documents state.
The dog, an Akita/Pit mix named Toby, was found lying unresponsive by the door of an Econolodge hotel where the couple was staying on September 17, according to police. Caston claimed the dog was sick, but "was getting better," according to the criminal complaint. He said he had gotten the dog from his ex-wife a few weeks ago and was sick when he received it.
The responding officer noted the dog's ribs were clearly visible and that it showed signs of water retention. The animal appeared to be unable to move, according to police.
When asked why they hadn't sought any veterinary attention for the dog, the couple said they had no means of transportation or money to pay for treatment.
Police transported Steinmuller and the dog to a veterinary emergency center, where staff indicated the dog might not survive treatment and that humane euthanasia might be warranted, the complaint states.
The officer then left the animal hospital, only to be contacted about 90 minutes later by staff that claimed Caston and Steinmuller refused to pay the $910 bill for treatment. The couple claimed they attempted to obtain third-party financing for the dog's treatment, but were denied. However, they could not provide proof of any attempts to obtain financing when questioned by staff at the animal hospital, according to the complaint.
They then signed the dog out against medical advice, according to police.
The officer contacted Steinmuller on September 20. She claimed the dog had died the day before.
According to police, staff at the veterinary hospital told the officer the dog exhibited signs of neglect.
The couple was charged with one count each of animal neglect.
