Seventeen dogs in dire condition triggered animal cruelty charges after investigators searched a Lake Como Road home, according to the Auburn Citizen. Officers seized the animals in December after a neighbor reported emaciated dogs chained without food or water.
Authorities charged five people with misdemeanor animal cruelty under state law, the Finger Lakes SPCA of CNY said. The charges followed a Dec. 18 warrant served with the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office.
Prosecutors listed multiple counts per defendant. Some animals went to the SPCA for rehoming; others remain as evidence. All five are set for arraignment Tuesday in Summerhill Town Court. Lawmakers recently approved an animal abuse registry through the Cayuga County Legislature. Defendants remain presumed innocent.
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