State troopers in Indiana County say a Clymer woman has been charged after a mixed-breed dog was found abandoned on the side of the road with multiple chicken bones in its stomach and two fractured pelvic bones. Rescuers named the animal Denali and took her to a veterinarian, where staff said she was in severe pain and unable to walk. Authorities say the suspect has been arrested and will face court proceedings as the animal recovers.
How troopers say it unfolded
Per WPXI, Pennsylvania State Police say the investigation began after troopers received a report on Feb. 24 and traced the dog's abandonment to Feb. 20 along Valley Road in Green Township. Troopers say the dog was discovered by a passerby the next day and taken to a veterinarian for emergency treatment. The criminal complaint identifies the defendant as 31-year-old Palina Williams of Clymer, who was charged on Feb. 24.
Injuries and veterinary findings
According to CBS Pittsburgh, a veterinarian found two fractures in the dog's pelvis and wrote in the criminal complaint that he'd "never seen so many chicken bones" in a dog's stomach. Police said the injuries left the animal unable to walk after being struck by a vehicle. Rescue volunteers say Denali has passed the bones but remains in severe pain and is not eating or moving much while receiving care.
Allegations in the complaint
Troopers say Williams allegedly contacted an acquaintance and asked them to kill or abandon the dog, and later disseminated nude photographs of that person to discourage cooperation with investigators, WPXI reported. Prosecutors charged Williams with aggravated cruelty to animals and intimidation of a witness, along with misdemeanor invasion of privacy counts and several summary offenses. She remains held on a $100,000 cash bond while the case moves through the court system.
Rescue updates and community response
Nicole's Furry Feline Rescue, which has been caring for the dog and calling her Denali, posted that she "has been screaming in pain" and is reluctant to eat or get up, according to CBS Pittsburgh. The rescue said volunteers and neighbors have stepped forward to help with veterinary costs, and local animal-welfare groups have urged anyone with information to contact the Pennsylvania State Police. The turnout underscores how small rescues frequently shoulder steep emergency vet bills in cruelty cases.
Charges, penalties and next steps
Aggravated cruelty to animals in Pennsylvania, defined as conduct that causes serious bodily injury or death, is a third-degree felony under state law, according to the Animal Legal & Historical Center. Felony penalties can include prison time and fines, and judges may also order restitution for veterinary costs and other expenses. Prosecutors will present evidence at preliminary hearings as the county's court process moves the case toward a decision.
Pennsylvania State Police said the investigation is ongoing, and local rescues continue to post updates about Denali's condition while raising funds for her care. Anyone with information about the incident is being asked to contact troopers, and the court process will determine whether the charges are prosecuted to trial.
