A North Belle Vernon man will serve six years on probation after he pleaded guilty Friday to animal cruelty charges.
Westmoreland County prosecutors said Dan Karbowsky, 55, intentionally withheld medical care for his aging and cancer-ridden dog.
According to prosecutors, humane officers went to Karbowsky’s home in March 2022 and found a 13-year-old dog in substantial medical distress.
Humane officers said the dog was diagnosed in 2019 with cancer and a whipworm infection. It went the next three years without treatment. Officials said the animal was found with a 10-inch oozing tumor on its chest that was so large it nearly touched the ground, and three additional open wounds.
Karbowsky claimed he could not afford medical treatment for the dog and, when offered funds to do so, refused to seek care for his pet, according to court records.
Facing a felony count of aggravated cruelty to animals and one misdemeanor count of neglect, Karbowsky pleaded guilty to three lesser misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty.
Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court Judge Christopher Feliciani ordered that he serve the probation term, pay more than $16,400 to cover the dog’s medical treatment and barred him from possessing any animals during his supervision. His wife can continue to care for her cats living in the home, the judge said.
Karbowsky last summer rejected a plea deal that called for him to accept a felony conviction and serve three to 23 months in jail.
The dog was surrendered to the humane agency All But Furgotten, where it received medical care and survived. It will be made available for adoption.
Rich Cholodofsky is a TribLive reporter covering Westmoreland County government, politics and courts. He can be reached at rcholodofsky@triblive.com.
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