JUDGE

Philadelphia Man Guilty of Starving Dogs, Must Pay Fine

A Northeast Philadelphia man must pay a fine after allowing his two dogs to become emaciated.

Pennsylvania Common Pleas Court Judge Nazario Jimenez Jr. found Brian Halbherr guilty of two counts of animal cruelty, according to court records.

The guilty ruling, which includes a $500 fine, came despite Halbherr, 27, not showing up to court Monday.

The Pennsylvania SPCA said animal officers uncovered the cruelty after acting on a tip last month.

Officers found two emaciated dogs on Halbherr's property on the 3300 block of Friendship Road in the Mayfair section of the city, according to the PSPCA.

Halbherr agreed to surrender the dogs to the PSPCA. Since being taken in, the dogs -- named Juice and Prince -- have gained weight. The PSPCA has even found a home for Juice.

"This is the latest example of the vital work we do to hold animal abusers accountable,” said PSCPA CEO Jerry Buckley. “But our goal in each of our cases goes beyond the outcomes of litigation. We work hard to treat the animals we rescue and find permanent, caring homes for them. We have already found Juice a forever home and now we are seeking the same for Prince, who has gained weight and confidence in our care."

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Anyone interested in adopting Prince can meet him at the PSCA’s headquarters at 350 E Erie Avenue in Philadelphia.

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