The Steuben County
Sheriff’s Animal Cruelty Investigation team responded to the Feenaughty Hill
Road residence based on an anonymous tip of several dogs left on the property
without appropriate shelter for the elements. Deputies investigated and
conducted an emergency seizure of thirty two adult dogs, six puppies and one
kitten, due to the alleged combination of extreme weather conditions and no
access to food or water at that time. All three men willingly signed ownership
of the animals over to the Finger Lakes SPCA, the Hornell Humane Society, and
Town of Howard Dog Control Officer Gary Hadsell.
Sheriff Allard thanks
the Finger Lakes SPCA, the Hornell Humane Society, and the Dog Control Officer
(DCO) for the Town of Howard, Gary Hadsell, for their teamwork and assistance
in this investigation. The Finger Lakes SPCA, the Hornell Humane Society, DCO
Hadsell, as well as Pawz & Purzz Animal Rescue, American Brittney Rescue,
and Rescued Treasures, all assisted in the major undertaking of sheltering,
fostering, and providing medical care for each animal. An initial intake
examination was performed by a veterinarian through the Finger Lakes SPCA, and
several of the dogs were found to have a variety of untreated health issues as
well as the majority of them being unsocialized to humans.
As a reminder to the
public; please be aware that all dogs that are outside for any amount of time
must be provided with adequate shelter if they are under your care. The shelter
should consist of water and wind resistance from all sides, be properly insulated
with blankets or straw, and of appropriate size for the animal. Be aware that
the animal should be fed and watered twice daily. Prevention of animal abuse is
everyone’s responsibility.
If any member of the
public that is aware of any incident of Animal Cruelty that needs to be
investigated they are asked to contact 911 to file a report or make an
anonymous report through the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office with as many
details as possible.