How to Investigate Animal Cruelty in NY State – A Manual of Procedures

Example 13 – Abandoned Animals: Animal Abandoned in Rented House

The Complaint

A landlord called the local humane agency and reported that a tenant had moved three days before and left a dog in the basement of the building. No one had come to feed it.

The Response

  1. The investigator interviewed the landlord and took photographs of the dog and the conditions in the basement.
  2. Because of his observations and the landlord’s statements, the investigator removed the dog to the animal shelter.
  3. The landlord gave the investigator the tenant’s new address.
  4. The investigator located the individual and interviewed him. The individual stated that he had moved a few days before. When asked who was responsible for feeding the dog, the individual said, “No one.”
  5. The investigator issued the individual an appearance ticket.

Charges Brought
The individual involved was charged with a violation of Article 26 Section 355 of the Agriculture & Markets Law. (The individual could also have been charged with a violation of Section 353 as well for failure to provide food and water to the dog.)

Supporting Documents Follow