UPPER MT. BETHEL TWP., Pa. — A 62-year-old woman has been arrested in a Northampton County animal cruelty case, state police announced Wednesday.
Donna Giello-Turner, of East Shore Drive in the township, is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and aggravated assault after troopers executed a search warrant on the property Sunday.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, troopers were dispatched to the home Saturday to check on the welfare of a horse. They had previously been to the residence and were aware of poor living conditions for animals on the property, they said.
Troopers located the horse laying in a field near the road, according to the affidavit. They observed the horse in severe distress and made contact with Giello-Turner, who told them the horse was dead.
Giello-Turner was told the horse was still alive and acted surprised, troopers said in the affidavit. They questioned her regarding veterinarians used for various animals on the property. She could not provide names or telephone numbers, but told troopers she would take care of the horse.
Troopers returned to the residence that evening and observed the horse in the same location, the affidavit said. The animal had no food or water, and no blanket or source of heat. Giello-Turner again was unable to provide any details for care of the horse.
Warrant executed
Troopers returned to the residence the following morning and observed the horse in continued distress without any care provided, the affidavit said. For the second time, Giello-Turner could not provide a care plan for the animal and stated it was dead.
Police said a criminal background check of Giello-Turner showed a prior history of animal cruelty, giving cause to apply for and execute a search warrant of the property.
During the search, a veterinarian evaluated the horse and a decision was made that it needed to be euthanized, the affidavit said. A dead poodle also was found in a freezer and a total of 22 dogs, one horse, two birds and a cat were seized from the property.
The affidavit described the conditions inside the home as deplorable, with floors covered in urine and feces, with Giello-Turner using a snow shovel inside the residence to clear a path for walking.
There was no running water or food in kennels, and numerous dogs on the property were discovered in need of medical attention, according to the affidavit.
Giello-Turner asked to leave the residence while the search warrant was executed, the affidavit said, and records showed the car she drove off the property was not registered and her license had been suspended for a DUI.
Troopers said Giello-Turner returned to the residence and was told she was under arrest. She resisted and kicked a trooper in the chest, the affidavit states.
According to court records, Giello-Turner was charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, reckless endangerment and aggravated animal cruelty, among other charges.
She was arraigned and committed to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 24.
The Northampton County District Attorney’s Office and the Pennsylvania SPCA are assisting in the investigation.
