'Santa Paws' Makes Full Recovery As Man Pleads Guilty To Animal Cruelty Charges

A Philadelphia man must pay $5,100 to the Pennsylvania SPCA after pleading guilty to animal cruelty charges, officials with the organization announced Friday.

Authorities with the PSPCA say Jeffery Collins, 34, left a dog locked in his basement without food or water. The dog, later named Santa Paws by PSPCA staff, became emaciated as a result, the SPCA said.

According to the PSPCA, Collins, pleaded guilty to first degree misdemeanor animal cruelty charges for his treatment of Santa Paws. He also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor level drug charge, the SPCA said

Collins was sentenced to 24 months probation for animal cruelty and six months of probation for the drug charge, to run concurrently, the PSPCA announced. He is also prohibited from owning animals for the probationary period and was ordered to pay over $5,100 to the PSPCA in restitution.

According to information from officials at the PSPCA, Santa Paws was removed on December 23, 2014 from the 3400 Block of Morrell St. in Northeast Philadelphia.

“The dog was rushed to the PSPCA shelter hospital for urgent medical treatment. The dog, named Santa Paws by PSPCA staff, was transferred to the University of Pennsylvania’s emergency veterinary facility for overnight treatment and then returned to the PSPCA, where he remained in critical care at the shelter hospital for several weeks. He was surrendered to the PSPCA’s custody and was adopted by a family in April,” the PSPCA said in a statement.

“We are pleased Mr. Collins pleaded guilty for his actions and that Santa Paws found justice. As a result of our work, the dog was treated for his severe injuries by our expert veterinarians at our shelter hospital and was placed in a loving home,” said Pennsylvania SPCA CEO Jerry Buckley. “The PSPCA is the only animal welfare agency in the state capable of performing this life-saving work. We are grateful for the generosity of our donors whose contributions are the sole financial support.”