Earlier this year, Easton city council voted to set up kennels at the city water treatment plant for stray dogs found in the city.

But those kennels lacked proper food, heat and water, according to a lawsuit filed by two former contract employees at the plant who allege they were fired for reporting the conditions.

According to the Morning Call, the workers -- Katie Pruden of Whitehall, and Jackie Lovering, of Bethlehem -- say they were fired after a story about the shelter and their allegations aired on WFMZ.

That story ran April 3; Pruden and Lovering were let go six days later. Their suit -- filed Monday federal court -- claims the firing violates their First Amendment rights and the Pennsylvania whistleblower law.

City administrator Glenn Steckman told the newspaper the claims "Frankly, are false."

Police Chief Carl Scalzo said his department would investigate.