Two dogs severely neglected - Corning, NY

Friday, Mar 23, 2007

County: Steuben

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged:
» Sughe Jo
» Mee Jo

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

A Corning couple who authorities say abused and nearly starved their two dogs to death have been charged with animal cruelty.

According to Steuben County Sheriff's Deputies, they went to serve an eviction notice to Sughe and Mee Jo on March 23.

That's when the deputies say they noticed a 3-year-old Dalmatian suffering from what they say were bedsores and skin tears. They say the dog was so malnourished, its bones were sticking out and it required emergency care.

A second dog -- also in poor shape but not quite as bad as the Dalmatian -- according to authorities, was taken to the animal shelter.

The owners were arrested and each charged with one count of animal cruelty. They could face up to a year in jail, or a fine, if convicted.

Case Updates

Local news has learned Mee and Sughe Jo can go out and adopt another dog, or multiple dogs, if they want to. The Steuben County couple was in Corning City Court Thursday answering charges of torturing and abusing an animal for an incident that happened about a month ago. Their two dogs were discovered starving and emaciated by sheriff's deputies who stopped by the Jos' home to drop off an eviction notice. The court gave them an "Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal," which means that if they don't get in trouble with the law in the next 6 months, all charges will be dropped. Assistant District Attorney Taylor Berlow tells us Steuben County's main concern is the welfare of the two dogs. But, she says, nothing prevents the Jo's from owning dogs in the future: "As for whether or not the Jo's can go out and get more dogs, there's no prohibition against them getting another dog," said Berlow. "We would hope that they've learned their limitations, and the problems that arise with trying to take care of a dog." We do know that the Jos' Dalmation is now in the care of a animal control officer from the City of Corning , and the Shepherd Mix is at the Finger Lakes Humane Society. The Jo's voluntarily handed over custody of the dogs to the Finger Lakes Humane Society today. They will be put up for adoption as soon as they're well enough, say Steuben County officials.

Source: WTEV - April 5, 2007 Update posted on Apr 6, 2007 - 11:27AM

References

• WETM - March 29, 2007

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