Lancaster Man Faces Felony Animal Cruelty Charges

Stephen L. Stoltzfus, 45, of Colerain Township, Lancaster County, faces two felony aggravated animal cruelty charges and one misdemeanor animal cruelty charge after amputating his Labradoodle’s leg with scissors and refusing veterinary care. Authorities say the dog was injured by a hay machine, then Stoltzfus cut off the remainder of the leg himself and repeatedly declined a veterinary clinic’s advice for care. Police found the 4-year-old dog suffering from acute blood loss, infection, anemia, and a flea and tick infestation, with exposed bone and blood-soaked fur. Stoltzfus told investigators the dog was 'happy and doing fine' and admitted he never took her to a licensed veterinarian. A judge ordered him to surrender six other dogs and eight puppies to the Pennsylvania SPCA. Stoltzfus was released on $10,000 unsecured bail and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on June 16.