Two Franklin Township residents were charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty and neglect after police said their dogs were found emaciated, carrying a parasite and wandering.

Deanna Jea Birckbichler, 22, and Timothy James Lavery, 23, of Franklin Township, were charged Monday, July 20, with two counts each of misdemeanor and summary animal cruelty as well as two counts each of misdeameanor and summary animal neglect.

State police said they were contacted June 14 by the Butler County Humane Society regarding two malnourished dogs found running loose near Greenlawn Burial Estates in Franklin Township. The dogs were brought in by two people and medically evaluated.

A Catahoula Leopard dog mix named Remi was described as severely emaciated with overgrown toenails and urine staining and tested positive for whipworm. A second of the same breed, named Muddy, was found in a similar state with wounds and a rash on his feet.

On June 15, police said Birckbichler arrived at the humane society to obtain the dogs. She identified herself and Lavery as the owners. Humane society employees told them both dogs would need additional vet visits for vaccination and care.

Neither Birckbichler and Lavery had 2026 dog licenses, police said.

On June 17, police contacted Brickbichler regarding the state of the dogs. According to police, she said they lost the dogs around one month prior and spent two weeks searching before giving up.

Police told Brickbichler they were mandating continued veterinary care and that she should contact the officer when she received confirmation of upcoming appointments.

On June 22, police asked Brickbichler if an appointment had been scheduled. She told police they were waiting on a call before relaying later that the dogs were scheduled for June 24.

On June 24, police asked Brickbichler for an update, where she told them her ride was unable to take her, and she would need to reschedule for the next day.

On June 30, she told police the veterinarian could not see the dogs until July 8, so she contacted a separate veterinarian and scheduled for July 7.

On July 9, police contacted Brickbichler for an update and did not receive a response. Police said they contacted the veterinarian who told them Brichbichler did not show up for the appointment.

Brickbichler and Lavery’s preliminary hearings have yet to be scheduled.