Avondale neighborhood man faces 12 counts of animal cruelty

A man who runs a dog care business was charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty after bringing a dead poodle, a Boston terrier so emaciated it had to be euthanized and an undernourished Chow mix into a city animal care facility this week, authorities said.
 

Staffers at Animal Care and Control called police Tuesday afternoon after Vaughn E. Neita brought the animals into the facility, 2741 S. Western Ave., according to Animal Care and Control Executive Director Cherie Travis.
 
The terrier was so “extremely emaciated’’ it was defecating blood, and later had to be euthanized. The terrier only weighed 8.2 pounds, and normally should have been about 15-20 pounds, Travis said.

Neita told authorities there that he was surrendering the surviving Chow mix and terrier after they attacked and killed the poodle, which was deceased when he brought it in.
 
The surviving dog also suffered undernourished issues and is still being cared for at their facilities, where authorities have “strong concerns’’ about its health. Travis said the dog will likely be moved to a rescue and may be available at some point for adoption.
 
Neita was arrested “right in our building,’’ about 1 p.m. Tuesday and charged with two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, Travis said.
 
But a visit to the pet day care establishment he owns, A Doggie Business in the 1400 block of North Western Avenue, resulted in 10 additional misdemeanor counts of violation of animal owner’s duties, Travis said.
 
Neita, 41,  lives in the 1400 block of North Western Avenue, according to police News Affairs.

Someone who answered the phone at A Doggie Business tonight said Neita was not available for comment.
 
rsobol@tribune.com
Twitter: @RosemarySobol1