STEELTON, Pa (WHTM) – A Dauphin County man has been charged with cruelty to animals involving his pet gecko. 

Steelton Police responded to the 700 block of North 2nd Street on May 23 for a call of concern of abandonment of animals. 

Dewayne Greist recently moved out of the home and police said he left his pet lizard behind. 

Court documents show a judge previously granted Greist’s landlord the right to begin evicting Greist from his home.

The gecko was adopted by a new owner, but was possibly suffering from dehydration and did not survive.