How to Investigate Animal Cruetly in NY State - A Manual of Procedures

Example 15 - Abandoned Animals: Inside and Outside

The Complaint

A complainant called the local humane society during the winter and stated that two dogs at a house trailer appeared to be abandoned. One was inside the trailer and the other was tied to a dog house on the property.

The Response

1. The investigator went to the residence and found a grey, matted Chow tied to a dog house, with no food in sight and frozen water in a bucket. The other dog was in the trailer.
2. The investigator interviewed a neighbor who stated that the owner had not been around in three weeks and that the owner's children came there on occasion but did not care for the animals.
3. The investigator placed a business card in the door in such a way that it would fall out if anyone opened the door. The investigator provided the outside dog with some food and water.
4. The investigator returned the following day, and the card had not been moved.
5. Based on the fact that it appeared that no one had returned to feed or water the animals in a 24 hour period, the investigator applied for a search warrant to seize the animals.
6. The search warrant was issued. The county sheriff's department executed the search warrant, and along with the humane society entered the property and seized the animals.
7. The humane society investigators took photographs of the animals and their surroundings and kept them as evidence for the court case.

Charges Brought

The individual involved was not found.

Supporting Documents Follow

• Complaint
• Investigator's Deposition
• Application for Search Warrant
• Search Warrant