Former Blakely Police Officer Anthony Mercado is facing animal abuse charges after an animal control officer found a several dogs at his home in poor condition, according to a criminal complaint.
On April 29, Humane Society Officer Marci Zeiler received a report of a dog in very poor condition at Mercado’s residence. The report included a photo of a dog that appeared to be extremely emaciated.
On April 30, Zeiler contacted Blakely Police Chief Guy Salerno to discuss the situation. Zeiler then met with both Mercado and Salerno at the police department to discuss the condition of the dog.
Mercado said the dog, a boxer, was thin, but that she ate and didn’t gain weight. He said she had a wound on her front leg that he was treating herself.
The three then went to Mercado’s home on Hickory Street in Peckville, where they found the boxer in very poor condition. Mercado voluntarily surrendered the animal to Zeiler.
There were other dogs on the property in poor condition, who didn’t seem to have access to food, according to the complaint.
Mercado is charged with cruelty to animals and animal neglect.
Mercado no longer works for the department as a result of the charges, per Chief Salerno.
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