Attorneys/Judges
| Prosecutor(s): | Andrew Bonavia |
Images for this Case
Over 100 animals removed from trailer
Brooktondale, NY (US)Incident Date: Wednesday, Jan 27, 2010
County: Tompkins
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 1 files available
Defendants/Suspects:
» Courtney Cotter
» Kevin Pierce
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
The Tompkins County SPCA takes in 100 animals at once. On January 27, 2010, investigators found them living in a tight, unsanitary trailer.
And as Action News Reporter Caitlin Nuclo tells us, the SPCA is calling on the community to help find the pets new homes.
Nala and Chocolate Chip are now in the care of the Tompkins SPCA. After a group of concerned citizens led humane investigators to a mobile home in Brooktondale. "The conditions inside were obviously pretty far from ideal there were some sanitary concerns, there were also concerned for animals not having access to food and water," said SPCA Humane Investigator Cate Walker.
That's where these cocker spaniels, and 98 other pets were found, in a crowded, one-bedroom trailer. Including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats and several other dead animals. The owner was a self-proclaimed animal rescuer.
"I cant say in the three years I've been here that I've seen a case this large. But I know there are cases this large all around us all the time I don't think its unusual for folks to get in over their heads in terms of how many animals they take on," said Executive Director of the SPCA, Abigail Smith. The pets are still being evaluated for health and behavior. But taking them on has swelled the shelter.
The Tompkins SPCA is now home to 350 animals, which means they are very full and need to find loving homes very soon.
"We literally don't have room for one more animal in the shelter which is why getting adoptions happening as soon as possible is our most important priority," said Smith.
The SPCA is a no-kill shelter, meaning pets won't be put down because of space constraints. It boasts saving more than 90 percent of the animals that come through its doors. Which is why Smith says it's rounding up all resources, to give these pets a new lease on life.
The SPCA says the investigation continues and charges could follow.
If you're interested in adopting a pet, call (607) 257-1822.
The Tompkins SPCA is also asking for financial support and supplies. Like canned dog and cat food, towels, blankets, collars, leashes and Aspen bedding for small animals. Donations can be dropped off at 1640 Hanshaw Road in Ithaca.
Or made online at www.spcaonline.com, target your donations to the pet rescue fund.
Case UpdatesTwo Brooktondale residents reached a plea deal in an animal cruelty case after more than 100 animals were seized from their one-bedroom trailer home on Creamery Road in February.
Courtney Cotter and Kevin Pierce pleaded guilty in Caroline Town Court Monday to one class A misdemeanor each under Section 353 in the state's Agriculture and Markets Law, titled Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance. They were originally charged with 77 counts of violating sections 353 and 356 of the law.
But the couple may have begun collecting animals again, said Tompkins County SPCA Executive Director Abigail Smith on Tuesday. Smith said the SPCA has received reports that Cotter and Pierce have taken in several animals since the original animals were seized, many significantly underweight and all suffering from parasites and needing medical attention, and have contacted individuals who are trying to re-home their pets via Craigslist.
"It's important that people understand the condition of the home and animals," Smith said. "People must not contribute to their ability to continue this habit of hoarding animals they can't care for. It's unfair not only to humans living in those deplorable conditions, but also to the animals who were deprived of food, water, fresh air and veterinary care that they are entitled to by law ... We need to see that the court does its due diligence to stop the cycle."
Assistant District Attorney Andrew Bonavia said a provision of the law allows a judge to prohibit Cotter and Pierce from possessing any animals as part of sentencing. A mental health evaluation could be part of the pre-sentence investigation, which usually take six to eight weeks, he said.
The SPCA's expenses in the case have nearly reached $40,000, Smith said. Most animals taken last month have been placed, with the exception of a few guinea pigs and some puppies, which are still too young to be neutered, spayed and vaccinated. They will be put up for adoption at about 12 weeks of age, Smith said.
One dog was not seized and remains in Cotter and Pierce's custody because they claimed it as a service animal. On Monday an extension of a $335 security payment was approved for a cat the couple wants to keep. Smith said they will have to pay the security by Friday to retain ownership of the cat. | Source: Ithaca Journal - March 30, 2010
Update posted on Mar 30, 2010 - 10:28PM |
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