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

Example 4 – Neglected Pets: Starving Dog

The Complaint

A dog warden called the local humane agency and reported that he saw a very thin looking dog in a person’s yard and asked that they check on it.

The owner was known to the humane agency because he had been asked to surrender a dog before.

The Response

    1. The humane agency investigator went to the residence. In the yard, she saw an emaciated dog tied to a picnic table. There was no food or water available.
    2. The investigator asked the two people there if the dog belonged to them. They said the dog’s owner was out of town and would return the next day.
    3. The investigator seized the dog based on exigent circumstances and removed it to the shelter where she took photographs of it.
    4. In the morning, the investigator returned to the residence and asked if the owner was there. The woman who answered the door denied any knowledge of the owner.
    5. The investigator advised the woman that if the owner was not identified, each person in the household could be charged with a violation of Section 353 of the Agriculture & Markets Law.
    6. Later that day, the investigator received a call from the owner who agreed to come to the humane society. He was issued an Appearance Ticket and charged with a violation of Section 353 of the Agriculture & Markets Law. He was also persuaded to surrender the dog. The investigator told him that she would inform the ADA assigned to the case that he had surrendered the dog.

Charges Brought

The individual involved was charged with a violation of Article 26 Section 353 of the Agriculture & Markets Law.

Supporting Documents Follow