Two Bath residents have been charged after police say a female golden retriever was found with a severe neck injury and left without medical care.
Darla B. Martin, 45, and Daniel J. Gartland, 70, were arrested on October 13 and charged with failure to provide proper sustenance under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law.
According to the Village of Bath Police Department, officers first observed the dog on September 28 at a home on West Morris Street. The dog appeared sick and in need of care. Officers advised the caretakers that state law requires them to provide veterinary treatment.
When officers followed up on October 3, they found the dog had a deep neck wound and still had not received medical attention. The dog was seized under emergency circumstances and turned over to the SPCA for veterinary care.
Veterinarians determined the wound was a progressive skin lesion caused by a rope being tightly tied around the dog’s neck, leaving ligature marks.
Martin and Gartland were issued appearance tickets and released, as the charges are not eligible for bail under current law. They’ll return to Bath Village Court at a later date.
The dog is now recovering under the care of a rescue organization. Police thanked the Finger Lakes SPCA and the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office for their help with the case.
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