A Geneva man is facing a misdemeanor charge after authorities say he left a dog alone inside a fenced park, prompting a response from police and animal welfare officials.
The incident happened around 1:40 p.m. April 21 at the Geneva Bark Park, where a Geneva police officer found a brown-and-white female pit bull mix wearing a pink collar inside the enclosure without an owner.
A witness told officers they saw a man walking the dog along Exchange Street before placing her inside the park and leaving the area. Investigators later identified the man as 46-year-old Vincent P. Wozlonis of Geneva. Authorities said Wozlonis had custody of the dog, named Jasmine, and left her at the park because he was not permitted to have pets in his apartment.
The Ontario County Humane Society and Geneva Police Department led the investigation, with assistance from the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office. Wozlonis was arrested and charged with animal abandonment, a Class A misdemeanor. He was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to answer the charge in Geneva City Court at a later date.
Jasmine is in good health and has a pending adoption, according to the Ontario County Humane Society.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.