Western PA Elected Official Arrested In Connection With Dog's Death

WASHINGTON COUNTY, PA — County Controller April Sloane was arrested Tuesday on felony animal cruelty charges in connection with the death last month of her dog, Thor. The canine died of severe emaciation and weighed only 20 pounds when it perished, less than half of what its weight should have been.

Police said they found the dog's body wrapped in a garbage bag placed in the basement garage of Sloan's home, the Observer-Reporter of Washington reported. Police searched the house after receiving an anonymous tip.

Sloane, 43, was arrested in the county courthouse Tuesday. She was charged with two felony counts of animal cruelty and a misdemeanor charge of neglect of an animal for denying vet care.

The Washington County Republican Party issued the following statement on Tuesday: "WCRP has been made aware of the severity of the charges filed against Controller April Sloane. Because of their nature, WCRP will no longer associate ourselves with her, and our sincere condolences go out to all those impacted by this horrific situation."

The Washington Area Humane Society commented: "The Washington Area Humane Society (WAHS) is saddened by the recent death of Thor, a dog adopted from our shelter in 2021. The WAHS Humane Society Police Officer has been working closely with the District Attorney’s

Office and North Strabane Police and detectives in this investigation. We appreciate their quick response to the information we received."

Sloane, who took office last year, has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Dec. 19.