BLAKELY, Pa. — A former Lackawanna County police officer faces animal cruelty charges after the county humane officer discovered an emaciated dog at his home.

Anthony Mercado, of Blakely, is charged by summons with two misdemeanors and must appear before Magisterial District Judge Laura Turlip on July 9.

Until recently, Mercado worked as a Blakely police officer. Police Chief Guy Salerno on Friday said Mercado is “no longer employed” by the borough.

The charges against Mercado stem from an affidavit filed by Humane Officer Marci Zeiler, who said a Mercado kept an emaciated and wounded 4-year-old Boxer named Reya at his Peckville home.

Zeiler started an investigation at the end of April when one of Mercado’s neighbors reported seeing a thin dog in his yard.

Mercado acknowledged to Ze

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