by Geoff Fox

A Fulton County couple were charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty by Pennsylvania State Police after a February report revealed an extensive number of animals in the couple’s care were not being properly provided for.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, troopers responded to the 290 block of Purnell Road in Wells Tannery on February 5 for a report of animal cruelty.

In the commission of the crime, police said Ralph Galen Fries, 73, and Susan Rhea Fries, 67, were found to have two K9 huskies, 61 goats, two horses, and seven donkeys in poor living conditions with visible signs of abuse or neglect.

A search warrant was executed that day and all animals were seized and removed from the property with the help of an outside agency.

A licensed Pennsylvania veterinarian later conducted a medical checkup on all animals and found various levels of neglect, ranging from minor to life-threatening, police reported.

Both Ralph Fries and Susan Fries are facing 70 counts animal neglect – sustenance/water, 72 counts animal neglect -shelter/protection, 72 counts animal neglect – vet care, 27 counts animal neglect – vet care, 72 counts cruelty to animals, and 14 counts aggravated cruelty to animals – causing SBI or death.

The charges were filed on March 10.

According to online court documents, both were released on an unsecured bail of $100,000 each.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 30, at 1 p.m. in front of Magisterial District Judge Devin C. Horne.