BELFAST, Maine — Two Belfast residents were recently arrested on animal cruelty charges.
According to a news release from the Belfast Police Department, a complaint was made regarding animal welfare at an Achorn Road home on Oct. 13, leading police to find several cats and dogs showing signs of malnutrition and abuse, and some in critical condition.
Police reportedly seized 13 animals after determining all would need immediate medical care and to be brought to animal hospitals.
Belfast Police Chief Robert Cormier told NEWS CENTER Maine that when police arrived, one puppy was found dead and three adult cats were found in a container meant for one cat. He said police are unsure where the animals came from.
Krysta Sweetland, 24, a resident of the Belfast home, was reportedly arrested on Oct. 20. Sweetland faces 13 charges of cruelty to animals, police said in the release. Robert Debeck, 24, also a resident of the home, was also arrested on 13 animal cruelty charges one day later.
Cormier said the couple denied wrongdoing and said they were taking care of the animals. He called the conditions the animals were living in "deplorable" and said police are seeking to elevate the standard Class D charge to a Class C charge.
Sweetland and Debeck are reportedly being held on $2,500 cash bail and are expected to be arraigned on Dec. 1 in Waldo Superior Court in Belfast.
Cormier said the animals are now in the care of veterinarians, and when recovered, they will be up for adoption at P.A.W.S. Adoption in Camden. He told NEWS CENTER Maine that those interested in adopting any of the animals can reach out to him at (207)338-5255.
Those with information regarding the case are asked to call the Belfast Police Department at 207-338-2040.
