An arrest warrant has been issued for a woman accused of nine criminal charges for abandoning, tethering, and allowing her dog to starve to death.

On July 28, 2023, City of Pittsburgh Animal Care and Control officers and Pittsburgh Police responded to the 2400 block of Bedford Avenue for reports of a deceased dog discovered inside an unoccupied apartment.  

Responding officers observed a deceased and significantly decomposed dog whose leash was attached to the animal's neck area and tied to a door handle inside the apartment.  

A Pittsburgh Police officer who specializes in animal neglect and abuse cases was called to investigate the case, with the assistance of humane officers at Animal Friends Humane Investigations Department.

An arrest warrant has been issued for the dog's owner, Talazia Johnson, 22, of Pittsburgh.  Johnson is charged with two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, two counts of cruelty to animals, four counts of neglect of animals, and Title 3 - 459-601 - abandonment of animals by owner.