Photo submitted to the Times Observer A man charged in connection with a rescue of 46 dogs from a property in Pittsfield Township was held for court as a result of a Wednesday preliminary hearing. Authorities say the animals were found without proper shelter, in need of veterinary care and living in unsanitary conditions.

A Pittsfield man facing a litany of animal neglect charges had his case held for court during a preliminary hearing held this week.

The charges stem from a November 2019 incident when a total of 46 dogs were rescued from properties in Pittsfield Township.

In the wake of that rescue, Michel Dixon, 63, was charged with 11 counts of neglect of animals. Seven pertain to providing a lack of vet care (five misdemeanors and two summary offenses) while four are tied to not providing adequate shelter (all summary offenses).

He was held for court after a Wednesday preliminary hearing.

The rescue of the animals took place at two properties on Page Hollow Road. The charges were filed on Dec. 2, 2020.

When the charges were filed, Karen Kolos, executive director of the Paws Along the River Humane Society, told the Times Observer that numerous complaints had been made regarding the health and living conditions of the animals.

Paws staff and volunteers in partnership with the Pennsylvania State Police rescued 39 dogs in one operation and returned on a second occasion to rescue seven more that had managed to hide under the home.

Staff and volunteers from the society, along with Pennsylvania State Police battled cold weather to rescue 39 dogs on Nov. 7.

The documents that charged Dixon revealed details of the animals’ living conditions.

A five-month-old mixed-breed dog named “Pup pup” was living in an outside pen with three adult dogs. Pup Pup had been attacked and bitten and his paw was swollen.

The complaint also states that “Foxy,” a mixed-breed female, was pregnant and chained inside an outdoor penned area and had been chained for more than nine hours when the temperature was approximately 20 degrees.

Dixon’s next court appearance is set for July 1.