VENANGO CO., Pa. (EYT) — Two Venango County residents are due in court tomorrow on a laundry list of animal cruelty and neglect charges after police discovered they were starving two dogs in their care.

Court documents indicate 23-year-old Lindsey Sue Chrispen and 24-year-old Justin James Simpson, both of Franklin, are scheduled to stand for preliminary hearings at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, in Venango County Central Court on the following charges:

– Aggravated Cruelty to Animals — Causing SBI or Death, Felony 3
– Cruelty to Animals, Misdemeanor 2 (two counts)
– Neglect of Animals — Sustenance/Water, Misdemeanor 3 (two counts)
– Neglect of Animals — Shelter/Protection, Misdemeanor 3 (two counts)
– Neglect of Animals — Vet Care, Misdemeanor 3 (two counts)
– Vaccination against Rabies Required — 4 to 12 weeks old, Summary (two counts)
– Application Dog License/Fees, Penalties, Summary (two counts)

The charges stem from an investigation that was initiated on May 10, when Pennsylvania State Trooper Barnhill was assigned to investigate a possible animal cruelty case.

According to the complaint, Lindsey Sue Chrispen and Justin James Simpson kept two mixed breed brown and white female dogs named Nova and Daisy, both of whom were over a year old.

The complaint notes that neither dog had access to clean potable water, sanitary shelter, or veterinary care, and neither had seen a veterinarian in the last year.

According to the complaint, both dogs were starved and kept from food, although the owners had food at the residence.

Both dogs were seen by a veterinarian after they were relinquished to Trooper Barnhill. The complain notes the veterinarian stated they were malnourished and emaciated and had other neglect-related issues. Their bones were visible throughout their bodies. The dogs were also not licensed or vaccinated as required.

Chrispen stated in an interview that she was “starving them” and also provided a recorded interview where she admitted to such, the complaint indicates.

Based on the investigation, Chrispen and Simpson were arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge Matthew T. Kirtland at 8:40 a.m. on Thursday, June 6.

Both defendants remain lodged in the Venango County Jail on $10,000.00 monetary bail each.