A Rochester man is facing charges after abandoning a dog outside a Farmington grocery store and leaving the scene with a child, according to Ontario County officials.
Jason L. Flint, 54, turned himself in at the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office on July 16 and was arrested on charges of animal abandonment and endangering the welfare of a child. Both offenses are classified as A misdemeanors.
Authorities say the incident happened the night of May 17 at the Tops Market on Route 96. Around 9 p.m., a chocolate Labrador retriever, later identified as “Duke,” wandered into the store. Tops employees and New York State Police secured the dog and transported him to the Ontario County Humane Society shelter, where a microchip scan revealed his identity and owner information.
Animal Control Officers traced Duke’s registration to Flint, who was reportedly living at 31 Bellmawr Drive in Rochester. Video footage from the market and nearby businesses showed Flint’s vehicle arriving behind the supermarket before parking on the east side. Flint and a female juvenile were seen entering the store, while Duke roamed the parking lot and entered the store several times.
Surveillance footage captured Flint and the juvenile intentionally avoiding the dog as they left the store, walking around the perimeter of the parking lot and eventually driving off without him. Store employees then contacted the 911 Center.
Following the investigation, a warrant was issued by Judge Lew of Farmington Town Court. Flint was arraigned and released on his own recognizance.
Duke was temporarily adopted by a witness to the incident. The dog passed away from kidney failure on June 17. Staff at the Ontario County Humane Society expressed gratitude to the individual who provided Duke with a home in his final weeks.
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