DURHAM, N.Y. — Police seized 40 animals from two different homes in New York after a tip came in from a concern neighbor.
The two homes housed 39 German Shepherd dogs and one cat, all of which were living in very unfavorable conditions. The dogs, which ranged in age from puppies to several years of age, were all found living in small cages caked fecal matter on the ground. Investigators said the smell was so horrible it made their eyes water.
The German Shepherds were described as dehydrated and extremely thin, however they were all found alive. No apparent source of heat was located other than a small electric heater found inside the home, and some of the dogs were found outside on the back porch of the home without protection from the elements.
On Sunday Police arrested 43-year-old Dawn Verdeschi, who was listed as the owner of one of the homes and as a co-owner of the other. She is charged with failing to provide adequate food and water sources for the animals. Verdeschi was taken to an area jail on $1500 bail. Police are also seeking the other co-owner of the second home, Christopher Cella, 55.
All of the animals went to a local shelter where they will be cared for and adopted out to new families.
[Source: WRGB]