Case Snapshot
Case ID: 19039
Classification: Neglect / Abandonment
Animal: dog (pit-bull)
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Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011

County: Schenectady

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Frank Burns

56-year-old Frank Burns was arrested by the Schenectady County SPCA for leaving four pit bulls without food or water in an unheated, non-insulated storage room.

The Rotterdam Police Department received complaints of animals being improperly kept in a storage unit at the Safe Storage Facility on Altamont Avenue. Police were able to locate Burns, who told police he was homeless and had no other place to go with the dogs.

In addition to the animal cruelty charge, Burns also received the first ticket under the SPCA's new authority as Schenectady County's Animal Control Officers for not having licenses for his dogs.

Burns is facing a year in jail, three years probation, and/or a $1,000 fine for leaving the animals in the storage facility without food or water. He also faces a $50 fine per dog that was unlicensed.

He is scheduled to be arraigned in Rotterdam Town Court on January 26, 2012.

One of the pit bulls will soon be available for adoption. The others will have to be euthanized because of aggression. Schenectady County's SPCA hopes this case serves as a reminder: they will help place animals that have no place to go, all it takes is a phone call.

"Our job is to help animals. We will help animals anywhere, anytime within our capabilities," adds Tully.

Investigators say Burns is headed to Florida and they likely won't work to extradite him for prosecution.

Three of the pit bulls will have to be euthanized because of aggression. Contact the Schenectady County SPCA for information about the available dog.

References

« NY State Animal Cruelty Map
« More cases in Schenectady County, NY

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