A Summit Township couple is facing charges after state police said a Tuesday, Aug. 30, search revealed a child and multiple dogs and cats were living in “deplorable conditions.”

Regina C. Pruitt, 47, and Robert Pruitt, 53, were arraigned Tuesday afternoon before District Judge Lewis Stoughton. Both were then taken to Butler County Prison in lieu of $10,000 bond each.

Police said Butler County Children & Youth Services was contacted when they were told the couple’s child lives in the home. The child was at school during the search.

“Due to deplorable conditions, state police members utilized hazmat suits along with breathing apparatuses to conduct the search,” police said in a news release Wednesday, Aug. 31.

Each was charged with felony child endangerment and misdemeanor reckless endangerment. Regina Pruitt additionally is charged with 13 felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and and 39 misdemeanor counts of animal neglect.

According to charging documents, police executed a search warrant on the couple’s Saxonburg Road home in regard to an animal neglect investigation.

According to the warrant application, a witness told police there were malnourished and unkempt dogs at the home. The witness told officers they could see the rib cages of the animals.

Police said they attempted to make contact with the homeowner multiple times, and the location had been known for past animal-related incidents.

“These incidents related in confinement citations as the dogs at the aforementioned address had gotten out of the residence and were running around the neighborhood,” police said.

Police said when they entered, they found Regina Pruitt, the owner of the home and animals, inside.

“The smell of feces and urine was observed from outside the residence, and the inside was covered in animal feces, urine and various levels of refuse,” police said in the affidavit.

Police said they recovered 10 German shepherds and three cats from the home, and Regina Pruitt was unable to provide dog licenses or rabies vaccinations for any of the animals.

Beaver County Humane Police and members from ANNA Shelter in Erie assisted with taking the animals.

“All animals were observed to be in various stages of malnourishment, infested with fleas and lice, and covered in feces and filth,” police said.

Police said while talking with Regina Pruitt, she told officers the couple’s child lives full time in the home with the couple. Police contacted CYS.

“(The) Summit Township zoning officer was contacted and traveled to the scene and immediately condemned the residence due to the terrible conditions,” police said.

The Pruitts are scheduled to appear Sept. 13 for a preliminary hearing before Stoughton.