What began as a tip about neglected pets has turned into a full-scale animal cruelty investigation in Geneva, where 18 terrier-type dogs were rescued from filthy, inhumane conditions — and two individuals are now facing felony charges.
On October 2, the Ontario County Humane Society (Happy Tails), with help from Geneva police, fire crews, and code enforcement, executed a search warrant at a residence on Avenue B, where they found dogs living in filth, with little to no access to food or water. The owners, RoseMarie Bruno-Hess, 68, and Brian E. Hess, 65, have each been charged with aggravated animal cruelty, a felony.
Camper full of feces and ammonia
The investigation started October 1, when the Humane Society received a complaint about malnourished dogs living in poor conditions. Officers soon gathered enough evidence to obtain a search warrant, signed by Ontario County Acting Court Judge Frederick Reed.
When crews arrived at the property the next morning, they discovered eight dogs inside a camper trailer, where feces had accumulated on the floor and a strong ammonia odor made the air unsafe to breathe. Geneva Fire Department personnel provided protective gear, including Tyvek suits and self-contained breathing equipment, to allow officers to safely enter.
Inside the main residence, conditions were just as disturbing — with feces throughout both floors and ten more dogs found in similar neglect.
Dogs in distress and worse
In total, 18 dogs were rescued from the scene, and eight deceased dogs were found inside an unpowered freezer chest in the home’s kitchen, in various stages of decomposition.
All surviving dogs were taken to Happy Tails, where they were evaluated by a veterinary technician and began receiving emergency care. Many were flea-infested, severely underweight, and had suffered significant fur loss.
Despite that care, two of the rescued dogs died overnight on October 3. All deceased animals are being sent to the Cornell Animal Diagnostic Center for necropsies.
Charges filed, property condemned
Bruno-Hess and Hess have been formally charged and issued appearance tickets for Geneva City Court. They have also surrendered ownership of the dogs, allowing Happy Tails to continue their rehabilitation and eventually place them in adoptive homes.
Both the house and camper have since been condemned by the City of Geneva Code Enforcement Office.
“We’re grateful for the swift action and teamwork across agencies,” said Ontario County Humane Society Director William Martin. “These animals endured heartbreaking neglect, but we’re committed to giving them a better future.”
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