Dog chained to tree, collar grown into neck causing wounds
Verona, NY (US)

Incident Date: Sunday, Aug 26, 2012
County: Oneida

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Bridget LaClaire

A Verona woman is facing charges after police say they arrested her for animal cruelty, according to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol.

The Oneida County Sheriff's Office responded to 5076 Route 365 in Verona on Sunday for a report of animal cruelty.

Police found a white pit bull named "Sapphire" was chained to a tree and secured by a choke collar. The chain and choke collar were so tight that it ripped into the neck of the dog.

According to Maciol, the wounds were left unattended to and flies and maggots had developed on the dog's injuries.

A sheriff deputy used bolt cutters to free the animal and turned Sapphire over to a dog warden.

Another dog at the residence, named "Sunday", a huskie breed, was also taken into custody.

Both dogs were left out with no food or water.

Police say the dogs' owner is 48-year-old Bridget LaClaire. LaClaire was arrested for failure to provide proper sustenance and is due to appear at Verona Town Court in September.

Sapphire was transported to the Village Vet in Wampsville for treatment.

This case is still under investigation.

References

• « NY State Animal Cruelty Map
  « More cases in Oneida County, NY

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