Dogs neglected, 35 neglected, 3 more dead
Gaines, NY (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, Oct 16, 2007
County: Orleans

Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Charles L. Spinks

The Cruelty Investigation department of the Humane Society of Greater Rochester has seized 35 dogs from 14739 Ridge Road in Gaines, Orleans County, for unsanitary conditions and animal cruelty due to severe neglect. Charges are pending against Charles L. Spinks of Waterport.

Responding to a request for assistance from Orleans County Animal Control to the Gaines address, Humane Society Cruelty investigators found 30 adult dogs, 5 puppies, and 3 deceased puppies at the property.

The dogs, Beagles and Coonhounds, were being kept on short chains outside or in small cages on the property and were living in unsanitary conditions. The dogs suffered from a variety of ailments including: emaciation, chemical burns on their feet from standing in their own waste, severe dental disease, and flea infestations. They have been brought to the shelter at Lollypop Farm for assessment and treatment.

"Now that these dogs are removed from their abusive surroundings, our focus turns to treating and rehabilitating them and this has put a tremendous strain on our system," said Richard Gerbasi, Humane Society Vice President of Operations and Field Services. "Our dog adoption suites are full, and there is a critical need for foster care volunteers to help care for the dogs."

The owner agreed to surrender all but 7 dogs to the Humane Society. Two charges, one of unsanitary conditions and one of animal cruelty due to neglect are pending. These misdemeanor charges can each lead to a possible sentence of one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

For more information on this case, contact Humane Society Vice President of Operations and Field Services, Richard Gerbasi, at (585) 259-0733.

Animal cruelty calls should be reported to the Animal Cruelty Hotline at (585) 223-6500. Calls are treated confidentially.

References

• WHEC - Oct 17, 2007

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