Pair Charged for Abandoning Pitbulls in Towanda Home

Authorities say the dogs were trapped inside for over a week after the former residents moved away.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:51pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a dog collar and leash, the metal hardware and worn fabric textures dramatically illuminated against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the abandonment and neglect of the animals.The abandoned pets' discarded collars and leashes are a grim reminder of the neglect they endured.Towanda Today

Two former Towanda, Pennsylvania residents, Jason Larue Saiers and Marcia Ayers, have been charged with neglect and cruelty to animals after allegedly abandoning their two pitbull dogs inside their residence for about a week after moving to a new location. The building's landlord notified police, who then removed the trapped dogs on February 20th.

Why it matters

Animal abandonment and neglect cases like this highlight the need for stronger enforcement and penalties to protect vulnerable pets left behind when owners move out. Towanda has seen an increase in such incidents as the local housing market has become more volatile.

The details

According to the charges filed by Towanda Borough Sgt. Bryan Bellows, Saiers and Ayers were responsible for the well-being of the two pitbull dogs but failed to make arrangements for their care after moving out of the residence. The landlord told police he had not seen anyone enter the property to tend to the animals during the weeklong period.

  • On February 20th, police removed the trapped dogs from the residence.
  • The dogs were allegedly abandoned and left inside the home for about a week after Saiers and Ayers moved out.

The players

Jason Larue Saiers

A 44-year-old former Towanda resident who has been charged with neglect and cruelty to animals for allegedly abandoning his two pitbull dogs.

Marcia Ayers

A 43-year-old former Towanda resident who has been charged with neglect and cruelty to animals for allegedly abandoning her two pitbull dogs.

Towanda Borough Sgt. Bryan Bellows

The police officer who filed the charges against Saiers and Ayers.

Towanda Landlord

The landlord of the property where the abandoned dogs were found, who notified police about the situation.

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What’s next

The judge will determine if Saiers and Ayers will be allowed to post bail and be released pending their trial for the animal cruelty charges.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger laws and enforcement to protect pets from being abandoned when their owners move out, as well as the importance of landlords and neighbors being vigilant about potential animal neglect in their communities.