Animal advocates recently made a disturbing discovery involving two dogs in the town of Stanley, New York. According to the Ontario County Humane Society, they found the body of one dead dog decomposing in a home. Also, they uncovered another dog, starving. Animal cruelty charges are underway for a suspect in the case.
Gruesome discovery of decomposing dog
According to WHEC, the Humane Society received reports of abandoned dogs at a home at 1910 Route 5 and 20 on Thursday afternoon. Accordingly, representatives went to the home. First, they noticed garbage littering the porch. Then, they saw feces covering the floor. Eventually, they found the body of a decomposing dog in a bedroom. Also, there was a starving dog in the home. Subsequently, investigators determined that residents vacated the home on March 20. But they left the dogs behind without access to food or water.
New York State Police got involved in the incident and arrested Jose J. Figueroa, a 29-year-old man. He faces charges of aggravated cruelty to an animal.
The surviving dog, Midnight, is a 2-year-old Husky mix. Because she received veterinary services from the Humane Society, she is now recovering. The deceased dog, 4-year-old Apex, was a German Shepherd. His body is undergoing an autopsy at Cornell University.
How to spot neglect
Unfortunately, stories of severe neglect of dogs are not uncommon. Neglect is a form of animal abuse. can result in death.
According to the ASPCA, “animal cruelty generally falls into two types of categories: intentional acts of harm inflicted upon an animal, and acts of neglect, such as failing to provide an animal with necessary food, water, shelter or veterinary care.”
Some signs of animal neglect include:
- A malnourished appearance
- Dirty, tangled, and matted fur
- Cowering in fear when people approach
- Being regularly left alone without water or food
- Being chained up in a yard
If you see signs of neglect or suspect a dog is being abused, notify your local animal control agency or police department immediately.
