Jul 12, 2017 2 min read

A Chartiers Township pair already awaiting a trial on animal abuse charges filed against them by township police in December waived the most recent case filed against them to court Wednesday.

William E. Moore, 68, and Marci Jo Klinzing, 48, both of 8 Crossroads Road, were charged last month by Washington Area Humane Society police Officer Glen Thomson with 48 counts of animal cruelty after Thomson and agents from other humane agencies removed dogs, cats, rabbits, ducks, chickens, guineas and a cockatiel-type bird from their property. One dog and two cats had to be rescued from the roof. Thomson served a search warrant at the home June 6 after getting a report from the township code-enforcement officer the animals and birds were living in deplorable conditions.

It was the second time in six months animals were removed from the house. Eight dogs were removed from the property Dec. 13 after Thomson received a tip about animals being left out in cold temperatures.

The humane society continues to care for all of the animals and birds seized from Moore and Klinzing.

A Washington County senior judge recently ordered Moore to raze the building and clean up the property, declaring the site a nuisance. Senior Judge William R. Nalitz issued the order after a hearing requested by the township concerning the condition of the property. There is a hole in the roof, and the chimney is crumbling. There also are junked vehicles and other debris on the property. The hearing was requested as a result of the inspection last month by the code-enforcement officer.

To date, nothing has been done to the property, Jodi Noble, township manager, said Wednesday. She said Moore was sent a copy of the court order, and the property was posted, giving him 30 days from June 30 to tear down the house and clean the property. The township supervisors authorized Noble and the township solicitor to seek bids to raze the house and clean the property, if necessary.

Klinzing indicated Wednesday to District Judge David Mark she and Moore intend to deal with both cases at the same time. Jury selection for the initial case is scheduled before Washington County Judge Michael Lucas Oct. 23. They are scheduled for formal arraignment on the new charges Oct. 13.