Ronald and Shelly Brier of Milford Avenue in Buffalo were arraigned Thursday in Buffalo City Court on charges of animal abuse by neglect.
In early December, police found a dog that they thought was dead in the Brier's basement. A closer examination showed the dog, named Dori, was still alive but covered with four pounds of matted fur.
"He was forced to live in his own waste, the animal was also found to have bone fractures and infections," said Erie County Assistant District Attorney Michael Drmacich.
The dog is being cared for by the SPCA Serving Erie County.
The couple was released on their own recognizance and scheduled to be back in court for an attorney appearance on January 12, 2015.
Buffalo City Court Judge James McLeod was prepared to order the couple to not have any animals during the prosecution of this case, but prosecutor said the SPCA asked that the court order not be imposed at this point.
Prosecutor Michael Drmacich explained to reporters that the couple has several other dogs, but the SPCA does not want to take them into their care because the animals are so aggressive.
