The owner of a pet mortuary in Pittsburgh, Patrick Roy Vereb, faces serious charges for allegedly deceiving thousands of grieving pet owners. Authorities state that Vereb, 70, of Vereb Funeral Home and Eternity Pet Memorial, carelessly disposed of deceased pets in landfills and returned the ashes of unrelated animals to their owners. Prosecutors have charged him with deceptive business practices and theft by deception for failing to provide promised services and neglecting his duty of care.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday Jr. announced the disturbing findings, revealing that Vereb’s actions impacted over 6,500 customers between 2021 and 2024. Many pet owners paid significant sums for dignified cremation or burial services, only to have their expectations betrayed. Prosecutors assert that instead of properly handling pets’ remains, Vereb improperly disposed of thousands and mixed ashes from different animals.
In response to the situation, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office has set up a portal on their website to identify more potential victims. Sunday emphasized the emotional toll this situation has taken on pet owners, stating, “I can’t imagine the heartbreak involved in learning that you are affected by a crime like this.” Vereb is currently free on bail and is scheduled to appear in court on May 9.
Attempts to reach Vereb for comment have been unsuccessful, with his phone answering in a peculiar manner. Authorities are committed to seeking justice for those affected by what they describe as a “heartless crime,” reflecting a significant betrayal of trust in a time of grief.
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