Man charged with cruelty to animals arraigned today

YOUNGSTOWN — The man who operated High Caliber K-9 at his home, where seven dead and eight starving dogs were found this week, was arraigned today in municipal court.

Judge Robert A. Douglas Jr. set bond at $20,000 for Steven S. Croley, 37, of 1516 Coitsville-Hubbard Road, allowing 10 percent to be paid. He will be back in court Nov. 13 for a pretrial hearing.

As a condition of bond, Croley is not allowed to own or harbor any animals. Although originally arrested on 19 counts of animal cruelty, Croley was arraigned on only four counts, plus one count each of noxious odors and exterior property violation.

City Prosecutor Jay Macejko was not immediately available to comment on the charges.

On Wednesday, Animal Charity humane agents found seven dead and eight malnourished dogs in the backyard kennel area of Croley’s business. They also found four dogs in the house. The 12 live dogs were taken to Animal Charity on South Avenue.

Croley told a humane agent that he couldn’t afford to feed the dogs. He claimed ownership of 16 dogs, telling police the other three were boarded.