Pittsburgh Animal Control Officer Charged With Animal Cruelty

PITTSBURGH, PA — A Pittsburgh Animal Control officer is facing felony animal cruelty charges after allegedly causing severe injuries to a dog in the Strip District in March.

James Genco, 46, is accused of injuring a pit bull he transported to Humane Animal Rescue after finding it unattended in a vehicle. He allegedly dragged the dog, which was on a control pole, across the floor to the area where the kennels are located.

WTAE-TV reported that the veterinary clinic where the dog was taken for treatment said the canine suffered broken teeth, lacerations on its paws, ruptured blood vessels in both eyes, excessive bleeding and broken teeth.

Genco has been charged with felony aggravated cruelty to animals and other animal cruelty charges. His attorney has denied that Genco caused the dog's injuries.