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WILKES-BARRE &mdash; A Plains Township woman facing criminal animal cruelty charges in Luzerne County Court is being prompted to pay for the care of a Dalmatian seized by humane officers last year.
				The SPCA of Luzerne County on Monday filed a civil petition in county court seeking $3,360 from Ajee Salazar, 23, last known address as 35 Delaware St. for the feeding and shelter of the dog named Kobe.
				The petition filed by Attorney Garry S. Taroli, solicitor for the SPCA, claims it cost $15 per day to feed and provide shelter to each domestic animal in their possession.
				Humane officers seized Kobe along with another canine and a cat from Salazar&rsquo;s former residence at 75 Carey St. on Aug. 14, 2020 after visiting the house every day for more than a week.
				Court records say humane officers observed Kobe and another dog, a hound called Sadie, through windows of the house filled with feces. Kobe looked thin to humane officers, who kept visiting the house every day to determine if anyone was caring for the dogs.
				Humane officers initially went to the house based on information that the dogs were abandoned.
				As humane officers repeatedly visited the house, they noticed Kobe getting thinner.
				A search warrant was served at the house Aug. 14 when Kobe and Sadie were seized. There was no food for the dogs and a bowl half-filled with dirty water, court records say.
				During an evaluation by a veterinarian, Kobe was found to have a body condition of 1-2 on a scale of 1-9 with one being emaciation and nine being obese. When Kobe was seized, its body weight was 48.1 pounds.
				Both dogs gained weight during their care by the SPCA, court records say.
				Salazar was charged with two misdemeanor counts of neglect of animals and cruelty to animals, and summary counts of neglect of animals and cruelty to animals involving Kobe. No charges were filed in regards to Sadie.
				A trial on the charges against Salazar is tentatively scheduled to begin May 18 before President Judge Michael T. Vough.
				A hearing has not been scheduled on the civil petition seeking payment from Salazar to care for Kobe.
				Taroli stated in the petition a state law known as the Cost of Care of Seized Animals Act of 2013 compels Salazar to pay for Kobe&rsquo;s care at the SPCA in Plains Township.

SPCA demands payment for dog care