A correction officer was arraigned Sunday on several charges after he allegedly left his two children home alone in Manhattan.

Police officers were called to 48-year-old Ronald McDonagh's apartment in East Harlem on Sunday morning after they were told two children were left alone in the home.

When they arrived, officers said they found an 8-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl inside the dirty apartment.

They said a malnourished cocker spaniel was also found in a cage.

Officers arrested McDonagh on the spot when he returned, and he was arraigned on child endangerment and animal cruelty charges.

Some neighbors told NY1 that McDonagh is a devoted father, and believe the charges are too harsh.

"The little girl was crying, she wanted her dad," one neighbor said. "They were forcing, you know, in front of the children. It was rough to see."

"I'm very shocked and surprised. I mean, it was probably a lapse in judgement for a minute, and since he's a single father, you know what I mean? It happens," another neighbor said. "He generally seems like a very good father."

McDonagh was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court Nov.13.

The Administration for Children's Services is also investigating the incident.