Schenectady County SPCA

04/18/12: Five Kittens, Two Adult Cats Saved by Schenectady County SPCA

The Schenectady County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) was called on by the Schenectady Police department to assist in an animal rescue.

Five kittens and two adult cats were saved from a condemned building and taken to a local veterinarian. The animals were treated and are now in the care of a foster home environment.

The SPCA is pursuing the case as an animal cruelty investigation.

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04/05/2012: SPCA Warns Against Coloring Living Baby Chicks and Reminds Public of Dangers when Giving Animals as Gifts

They may look cute and cuddly now, but that bunny you’re considering bringing home for Easter or anyone looking to make their holiday more festive by coloring living baby chicks need to be aware of the risks involved. The Schenectady County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) cautions that either one of these moves could be hazardous to both you and the animals health or simply against the law.

1) Furry and feathered friends do not make good Easter presents and according to New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, anyone caught selling, offering for sale, bartering or giving away living baby chicks, ducklings, other fowl and baby rabbits without proper accommodations is considered a misdemeanor. As for those looking to buy, according to the SPCA, too often people purchase these animals for their loved ones this time of year, not realizing the responsibility and health hazards involved.

“Anytime you bring a new animal into your home, it’s important to realize that pets are a long-term commitment,” said SPCA Chief Law Enforcement Officer David Dean. “In addition to the daily responsibilities, young children and rabbits are not the best mix and already overburdened shelters are often flooded even more so with rabbits that people surrender after the Easter holiday.”

The SPCA says there are also health hazards associated with chicks and ducklings. Young fowl may carry salmonella and other bacteria that can cause serious illness. People, especially children, can be exposed to the bacteria by holding, cuddling or kissing birds. If you are serious about getting a new pet, and think Easter is a good time to do it, consider the following: 

Rabbits

• Require regular veterinary care and should be spayed or neutered.
• Need regular nail trims and chew toys.
• Require human contact to prevent from becoming skittish or aggressive.
• Live an average of 7-10 years and need fresh hay, daily greens and pellets.

Chicks

• Often die within a few weeks of Easter due to stress, broken bones and improper care.
• Young chicks require special housing with a constant heat supply.
• Older chicks require a specially designed chicken coop.

2) Every year around the Easter Holiday many baby chick eggs are injected with food dye or the chicks themselves are painted so they have a more vibrant and festive color such as green, purple, blue, orange, red. Dozens of online videos show this practice that the SPCA reminds everyone is against the law. SPCA law enforcement officers are announcing this year that anyone found to be painting baby chickens or injecting chick eggs will face misdemeanor charges of animal abuse in accordance to NYS law.

“If anyone is witness to this practice we are asking you to please call us on our tip line 755-9517. There are arguments that this practice does no harm but that is the furthest thing from the truth. Baby chicks are very fragile and any stress or alteration of its natural growing process could result in their death,” said SPCA Chief David Dean.

For more information please contact Randy Simons at (518) 755-2789, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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03/31/12: Kid of the Week: Sofia Claire Pelletier

It's now to honor our Kid of the Week. This week, we spotlight 8-year-old Sofia Claire Pelletier of Schenectady.

In lieu of gifts for her eighth birthday party, Sofia asked for donations for the Schenectady County SPCA.

Her generous spirit and love of animals have inspired other kids her age to donate to charities. Her family and father’s company both matched the money received for a sizable contribution which will help many animals in need.

For your generosity Sofia, you're our Kid of the Week.

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02/13/12: Pit bulls left in Schenectady Police Department - Animal Abandonment

Schenectady County SPCA Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer David Dean says no charges filed against the APF director for dumping off two puppies at the police station sets a dangerous precedent.

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02/13/12: Pit bulls left in Schenectady Police Department - Animal Abandonment

Schenectady County SPCA Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer David Dean says no charges filed against the APF director for dumping off two puppies at the police station sets a dangerous precedent.

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02/13/12: Pit bulls left in Schenectady Police Department - Animal Abandonment

Schenectady County SPCA Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer David Dean says no charges filed against the APF director for dumping off two puppies at the police station sets a dangerous precedent.

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02/13/12: Pit bulls left in Schenectady Police Department - Animal Abandonment

Schenectady County SPCA Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer David Dean says no charges filed against the APF director for dumping off two puppies at the police station sets a dangerous precedent.

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02/13/12: Pit bulls left in Schenectady Police Department - Animal Abandonment

Schenectady County SPCA Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer David Dean says no charges filed against the APF director for dumping off two puppies at the police station sets a dangerous precedent.

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02/13/12: SPCA Calls for Ault to Resign Post

The Schenectady County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is calling for the immediate resignation of Rosalie Ault, executive director of the Animal Protective Foundation (APF) in Glenville, after she left two young mixed pit bulls at Schenectady police headquarters Friday afternoon.

If Ault fails to resign, the SPCA is calling upon the APF to immediately fire her.

The SPCA announced its recommendations in a news release issued Sunday.

Ault brought the two dogs to the police station Friday after she said they were brought to her attention by an unidentified man who said he found them on Albany Street. Ault said the dogs suffered from diarrhea.

According to Ault, she and the man brought them to the police station because the APF didn't have the space or medical personnel to treat the animals.

After officers refused to accept the dogs because it couldn't be proven they were abandoned in Schenectady and because the animal control officer was not on duty, Ault left the dogs at the station.

The SPCA described Ault's decision as a reckless, criminal act.

"She's acknowledging and standing behind abandoning these puppies that were, as she described, sick. I've really got to question her motives and her competency to be the executive director of one of the major animal shelters in the area. If you go along with what she says about saying that these animals were ill, she at least is admitting delaying medical treatment and medical care," said Schenectady County SPCA Chief Humane Law Enforcement officer David Dean.

"This was not a case of abandonment, neglect or abuse," the APF retorted in a statement released Sunday.

"In an effort to prevent the man who was bringing in the stray dogs from letting the dogs loose, Ault personally escorted him to the police station.

The APF's current agreement with the City of Schenectady states that the APF will not accept strays when 1) there is no space and 2) animals are ill. It further states that it is the city's responsibility to transport sick and injured dogs in need of immediate attention, as was the case with these dogs, who presented with projectile diarrhea."

Schenectady police spokesman Lt. Mark McCracken said the police department will conduct an investigation into the incident today.

Ault, who was reached by phone Sunday night, said she has no plans to resign.

Both dogs are being cared for at the Hernas Veterinary Clinic in Schenectady while the investigation continues.

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02/12/12: Animal Protective Foundation Leaves 2 Dogs in Schenectady Police

SPCA Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer David Dean reacts to what the SPCA is calling abandonment of two pit-bull puppies by the Animal Protection Foundation (APF) Director after she leaves them in the lobby of the Schenectady Police Department.

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02/12/12: Animal Protective Foundation Leaves 2 Dogs in Schenectady Police

SPCA Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer David Dean reacts to what the SPCA is calling abandonment of two pit-bull puppies by the Animal Protection Foundation (APF) Director after she leaves them in the lobby of the Schenectady Police Department.

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02/12/12: Animal Protective Foundation Leaves 2 Dogs in Schenectady Police

SPCA Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer David Dean reacts to what the SPCA is calling abandonment of two pit-bull puppies by the Animal Protection Foundation (APF) Director after she leaves them in the lobby of the Schenectady Police Department.

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02/12/12: Animal Protective Foundation Leaves 2 Dogs in Schenectady Police

SPCA Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer David Dean reacts to what the SPCA is calling abandonment of two pit-bull puppies by the Animal Protection Foundation (APF) Director after she leaves them in the lobby of the Schenectady Police Department.

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02/11/12: Animal Protective Foundation Leaves 2 Dogs in Schenectady Police

SPCA Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer David Dean reacts to what the SPCA is calling abandonment of two pit-bull puppies by the Animal Protection Foundation (APF) Director after she leaves them in the lobby of the Schenectady Police Department.

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01/30/12: Dog Back in Loving Home After Tree Ordeal

A cuddly, 115-pound Great Dane was reunited with his owners on Monday night. The gray giant stepped timidly into the lights of the TV news cameras and then wriggled in happiness as the Diaz family embraced and rubbed him.

"I'm glad he is OK," said dog owner Wilson Diaz.

Eeyore, the Great Dane, was found tied to a tree in the woods behind Schenectady Community College on Friday night. His leash was so short he was unable to lie down, said David Dean, chief of the Schenectady County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Diaz, a full-time culinary student at SCCC and part-time taxi driver, said he had brought Eeyore to school with him on Friday, but the muscular dog got away when Diaz slipped on the wet ground.

"Usually he comes back," Diaz said.

Diaz said he searched for 90 minutes, but gave up and returned to his house, where his three daughters were home sick.

Diaz shook his head and said he should have reported the dog missing, but he said there was so much going on at home he didn't.
Officers from the Schenectady County SPCA found the dog after a caller reported the animal tied up near the bike path a few feet away from the Mohawk River. Dean estimated the dog was there for several hours.

"He was tied to a tree in the wet and mud in conditions that could have caused death if prolonged," Dean said.

There is no explanation of how the dog ended up tied up to a tree, Dean said. When officers had first approached the animal, a man sprung up nearby and ran away. It was too dark to see him clearly and Dean said he wasn't sure the man had anything to do with the dog.

The SPCA received more than a dozen offers from strangers who wanted to adopt the dog after the story appeared in the media. Another caller claimed to be the owner, but Dean said the confusion was settled, and the dog belongs to the Diaz family.

"It's a wonderful family and a wonderful dog," Dean said.

The 10-month old dog joined the family in October. The still growing puppy is gentle with the family's children, Arianna, 7, Bridget, 5, and Corrine, 4.

"He's a big baby," said Renee Diaz, their mother.

Dean said the incident is a lesson for dog owners, and he advised that they should license dogs properly and call the authorities immediately when a dog is missing.

The incident is still under investigation, and anyone with information should call the Schenectady County SPCA's hot line at 755-9517.

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01/30/12: Tied-up Dog Reunited With Owner in Rensselaer

The Great Dane found tied near the river has been reunited with his owners, who are no longer suspects in the strange incident.

An SPCA officer found the dog tied to a tree Friday. The dog was left so close to the Mohawk River that cold water splashed onto his paws. His leash was so short that he could not lie down. He was found shivering and whimpering, SPCA officers said.

But after the SPCA publicized the incident, the owner came forward with an unusual story.

Wilson Diaz of Rensselaer said his dog ran away during a walk Friday morning at Schenectady County Community College, where Diaz said he attends classes.

The dog, Eeyore, escaped when Diaz slipped and let go of the leash, Diaz said.

He allegedly searched for the dog, but couldn't find him. He didn't report the dog missing, and Eeyore was not licensed, leading to complications as Diaz spent the weekend collecting photos and veterinary bills to prove the dog was his. He also licensed the dog Monday before the SPCA returned Eeyore to him.

SPCA officials described Wilson's description of the dog's escape as a "claim" and said they are still investigating. But they indicated that they don't think Diaz tied the dog to the tree.

"Based on where we are right now in the investigation, Mr. Diaz is not a suspect," Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer David Dean said. "We want to determine what led to the dog being tied to the tree, [the leash] so short it was a choking hazard."

Whoever tied up the dog could be charged, Dean added.

"Charges still aren't out of the realm of possibility. More evidence may present itself as we continue to investigate. We have two years to formally file charges in this case."

In the meantime, he said, he didn't want to keep Eeyore away from Diaz and his three daughters.

"We believe they miss their dog very much," he said. "The girls were awful excited to have the dog back."

Diaz said he had intended to keep Eeyore in his car while he went to class. That's legal — sometimes, Dean said.

The weather can't be too cold or too warm, and the dog must be left with food and water. And even then, Dean advises against it.

"We do not recommend it. The weather conditions are exacerbated inside a vehicle," he said.

He added that he considered the weekend-long investigation a success, because the SPCA was able to return a lost dog to a loving family. But he warned other owners to call police if their dog escapes.

"Another important lesson for everyone is that if your animal goes missing, please report it immediately," he said. "This didn't happen here and caused a whole bunch of problems that a simple phone call would have prevented."

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01/29/12: Great Dane Found Abandoned Near SCCC - Ownership Dispute

News stations continue to follow the story of the Great Dane left tied to a tree just feet from the frigid Mohawk River.

Two people left calls on the SPCA hotline claiming they are the owners of the dog.

SPCA officers are still investigating how the dog ended up in the uncomfortable position that he was found in.

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01/29/12: Great Dane Found Abandoned Near SCCC - Ownership Dispute

News stations continue to follow the story of the Great Dane left tied to a tree just feet from the frigid Mohawk River.

Two people left calls on the SPCA hotline claiming they are the owners of the dog.

SPCA officers are still investigating how the dog ended up in the uncomfortable position that he was found in.

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01/29/12: Great Dane Found Abandoned Near SCCC - Ownership Dispute

News stations continue to follow the story of the Great Dane left tied to a tree just feet from the frigid Mohawk River.

Two people left calls on the SPCA hotline claiming they are the owners of the dog.

SPCA officers are still investigating how the dog ended up in the uncomfortable position that he was found in.

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01/29/12: Great Dane Found Abandoned Near SCCC - Ownership Dispute

News stations continue to follow the story of the Great Dane left tied to a tree just feet from the frigid Mohawk River.

Two people left calls on the SPCA hotline claiming they are the owners of the dog.

SPCA officers are still investigating how the dog ended up in the uncomfortable position that he was found in.

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01/28/12: Great Dane Duke Found Behind Schenectady County Community College

News Stations across the Capital Region pick up the story of a baby Great Dane after Schenectady County SPCA officers find the shivering dog tied to a tree near Schenectady County Community College just a few feet from the Mohawk River.

The dog, now known as "Duke," appeared to be dehydrated and slightly underweight.

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01/28/12: Great Dane Duke Found Behind Schenectady County Community College

News Stations across the Capital Region pick up the story of a baby Great Dane after Schenectady County SPCA officers find the shivering dog tied to a tree near Schenectady County Community College just a few feet from the Mohawk River.

The dog, now known as "Duke," appeared to be dehydrated and slightly underweight.

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01/28/12: Great Dane Duke Found Behind Schenectady County Community College

News Stations across the Capital Region pick up the story of a baby Great Dane after Schenectady County SPCA officers find the shivering dog tied to a tree near Schenectady County Community College just a few feet from the Mohawk River.

The dog, now known as "Duke," appeared to be dehydrated and slightly underweight.

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01/28/12: Great Dane Duke Found Behind Schenectady County Community College

News Stations across the Capital Region pick up the story of a baby Great Dane after Schenectady County SPCA officers find the shivering dog tied to a tree just feet from the Mohawk River near Schenectady County Community College.

The dog appeared to be dehydrated and slightly underweight.

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01/30/12: Dog Found Abandoned by the Mohawk River

SPCA Officals want to find who left a great dane by the Mohawk River in Schenectady the other night in freezing cold temperatures tied to a tree on a leash so short, the dog couldn't even lie down. The dog, a great dane, has been named "Duke" and is O.K. For now he's staying at a home in the Mt. Pleasent section of the city. Officials say in the future, the dog could be put up for adoption.

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01/30/12: SPCA Continues to Probe Case of Dog Tied to Tree

The Schenectady County SPCA is still investigating how a Great Dane ended up tied to a tree near Schenectady County Community College as two people have come forward to claim the dog.

Wilson Diaz of Rensselaer stepped forward saying the dog was his. He showed a family photo and some other proof, according to spokesman Randy Simons.

"We're still looking into the story behind how the dog went missing and how the dog was tied," he said.
Another woman also left a message on the agency's hot line claiming ownership of the dog. SPCA officials were unsuccessful at reaching her on Sunday.

Simons said the SPCA needs to investigate further.

"Charges aren't out of the realm of possibility here. We still believe there are a lot of unanswered questions," he said.

The dog was found on a bike path behind SCCC after SPCA Sgt. Steve Redmond received a tip. He saw a person dart out of the woods and run away. He ran after the person but did not find anyone.

Redmond and SPCA Officer Matt Johnson then found the dog tied to a tree a few feet from the river. The dog was shivering severely and could not lie down because the lease was too short.

The dog, who is now known as Duke, is staying in temporary housing.

Anyone with information about the dog can contact the SPCA at 755-9517 or can call city police.

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01/30/12: Claims to Dog Not Enough

The owner of a dog found tied to a tree by the freezing Mohawk River Friday night may have been found, but the story of how it got there is still a mystery.

A spokesman for the Schenectady County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said a man and a woman left messages on the SPCA hotline claiming to be the dog's owner. The woman left one message, Randy Simons said, while the man left about five.
SPCA officials were able to interview the man on Sunday, but were not able to get ahold of the woman. Simons said the two did not know each other.

"One thing is the fact that we need proof," Simons said. "Show us vet bills, family photos. Show us that this is your dog."
Simons said the man told investigators he was at Schenectady County Community College when he let the dog out to go to the bathroom and he ran away.

"We still have the problem of how the dog got there," Simons said, "how it became tied to such a short leash near the river."
Simons said the SPCA is also concerned because the dog was dehydrated and is slightly underweight. Officials worry it may have been malnourished.

"We want to see if it had been treated well up until this point," he said.

Even though the man was able to provide some proof of ownership, Simons said the SPCA still has some work to do to to determine how the dog ended up tied to a tree only feet from the freezing Mohawk on a leash so short he could not lie down.

Depending on how the investigation goes, the man could face charges or he could get the dog back, Simons said.

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01/29/12: Great Dane Found Shivering, Tied to Tree

Schenectady County SPCA officers, responding to an animal cruelty tip on the bike path behind Schenectady Community College, found an abandoned Great Dane, standing in ice and snow, dangerously close to the frigid Mohawk River.

The dog, who officials say was shivering and dehydrated, was tied with a leash so short, he couldn't lay down.

The Great Dane, who officers have now named Duke, is recovering at an officer's home.

SPCA Officials are asking anyone that may have any information to please contact their hotline or Schenectady Police.

The Schenectady County SPCA Emergency Hotline is 518-755-9517.
All calls will remain confidential.

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01/29/12: Rescuers Save Great Dane Who Was Abandoned by River

A gentle giant was discovered along the muddy, cold bank of the Mohawk River.

The dog, a Great Dane now being called "Duke", was not running free - he was tied to a tree - abandoned in the cold.

By the time that officials discovered the abandoned dog on Friday night, he was shivering from the frigid temperature, dehydrated and hungry. 

Those who initially found him worry that he might not have made it through the night had his presence gone un-noticed.

Right now, Duke is in the care of the Schenectady County SPCA. 

Investigators are working to find out how Duke wound up along the river.

Was he stolen and then abandoned?

Did he belong to an owner who decided to get rid of him?

Duke isn't the type of dog who would be easy to overlook. Investigators are hopeful that someone will phone in a tip that will lead them to Duke's owners.

Anyone with information is asked to phone the SPCA Hotline at 518-755-9517.

In the meantime, Duke is in good hands - happy, warm and well fed at a foster home through the shelter.

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01/28/12: Abandoned Dog Found Along River Near SCCC

The local chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is looking for the person responsible for leaving a dog tied up Friday on the bike path behind Schenectady County Community College.

SPCA officials said they received a tip about animal cruelty on the bike path, and when SPCA Sgt. Steve Redmond walked the path, he noticed an individual dart out of the woods and flee. Redmond gave chase for a short while before being forced to stop due to darkness and unsafe conditions. After giving up the chase, however, Redmond and fellow SPCA officer Matt Johnson heard a whimper in the distance and found a Great Dane tied to a tree just feet from the Mohawk River.

"The dog was shivering and on so short of a leash that he couldn't even lie down," said SPCA Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer David Dean. "There was absolutely no shelter. The icy water crashed at his feet, and he was left to stand in ice, snow and mud with no room to move."

The two officers quickly untied the dog and noticed he was extremely cold, underweight and dehydrated. Johnson took the dog to his house and immediately cared for him.

"He ate four cups of dog food and drank a whole lot of water," Johnson said. "The guy is such a gentle giant. He hasn't left my brothers side. He's a big dog but what may be bigger is his heart. To survive those elements and now to show this type of loyalty is just amazing to see."

The dog, who the officers named "Duke," is currently staying in temporary emergency housing and recovering.

SPCA officials are asking anyone who may have any information on the case to contact their hotline at 755-9517 or call Schenectady police.

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01/28/12: Malnourished NY Dog Found Shivering, Tied to Tree

Animal welfare officials in upstate New York say a malnourished Great Dane was found tied to a tree in icy temperatures.

The Albany Times Union reports the abandoned dog was standing in ice and snow Friday evening on a bike path near the Mohawk River behind Schenectady Community College.

The Schenectady County Society for the Protection of Animals says they received a tip about the dog and went to the bike path to investigate. When they arrived, one officer saw someone dart out from the woods and run away.

Officials say the "gentle giant" was shivering and dehydrated when found. The dog is recovering well at an officer's home.

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01/28/12: "Gentle Giant" Dog Found Tied to Tree by Frigid Mohawk River; Investigators Seek Information

Duke, a Great Dane, was found tied to a tree by the frigid Mohawk River

Animal cruelty investigators are probing the abandonment of a Great Dane found tied to a tree and shivering in icy temperatures by the Mohawk River behind Schenectady Community College on Friday.

The dog — described as a "gentle giant" and named Duke by his rescuers — is now recovering well as he stays in temporary housing, the Schenectady County Society for the Protection of Animals announced Saturday.

Officers with the SPCA received a tip about the dog about 5:30 p.m. on Friday, which summoned them to the bike path behind the college. When they arrived, SPCA Sgt. Steve Redmond spotted someone dart out from woods and run away. He chased the person but was forced to stop because of dark and unsafe conditions, SPCA officials said.

Moments later, Redmond and SPCA Officer Matt Johnson heard a slight whimper and followed the sound. They discovered Duke tied to the tree only feet from the freezing Mohawk. They quickly untied the pooch, who they found to be "extremely cold, underweight and dehydrated," SPCA officials said.

"The dog was shivering and on so short of a leash that he couldn't even lie down," SPCA Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer David Dean said.

SPCA officials ask anyone who may have any information to please contact their hotline at 755-9517 or Schenectady Police. All calls will be kept confidential.

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01/05/12: Pitbulls Found Abandoned in Schenectady

Schenectady County SPCA treasurer Jeremy Noble appears live on CBS 6 to talk about the state of the SPCA and how donations are sorely needed.

In addition, Jeremy speaks about two pit-bulls left for dead and the happy ending for the dogs thanks to the community and the media.

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01/06/12: Great News About Starved Schenectady Dogs

It’s been a roller coaster of good and bad news about Destiny and Barney, the pit bulls found starving to death on Tuesday in a vacated Schenectady apartment. This evening’s great news is that that Pondviews Kennels of East Nassau will be taking Destiny and Barney while they recover and are evaluated.

I stopped by Shaker Vet after work where I met both dogs and shot the below video of Destiny, the young female dog, who looked like a happy skeleton, walking around wagging her tail. You can see Barney, the older male dog, sitting in the crate in the background. He was more reserved but took treats very gently from my hand.

Prior to this, it was good news that they were rescued by the Schenectady County SPCA and in stable condition at Shaker Vet in Latham.

It was also good news that two animal abusers, Dodi Toomer and Shantel Quinones, were arrested. (Though I’d argue that it’s lukewarm news that all they’re charged with is failure to provide food and water to a confined animal.)

The bad news was that, before tonight’s great news, it looked as though Destiny and Barney were at risk of being euthanized tomorrow because the SPCA said it could not afford to pay for them to stay any longer at Shaker Vet and and local rescue organizations said they were all full to capacity.

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01/06/12: Pair Accused of Abandoning Dogs in Schenectady

Two Schenectady women turned themselves in Thursday after the seizure of their nearly starved pit bulls from an abandoned home made headlines, officials said.

The Schenectady County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals charged Dodi Toomer, 41, and Shantel Quinones, 19, with failing to provide food and water to a confined animal, according to a news release.

The women allegedly left their two pit bulls inside their home at 838 Cutler St. after they moved out, said SPCA investigators, leaving the dogs to become severely malnourished. The dogs were rescued Tuesday night.

Toomer and Quinones could face up to a year in jail, a $1,000 fine and three years of probation. They were also cited for not having the dogs properly licensed, which carries another fine.

Toomer and Quinones will appear in Schenectady City Court on Jan. 23.

The pit bulls were treated at Shaker Vet Hospital in Latham and appear to be responding well. The women surrendered the dogs to the SPCA and they are now available for adoption.

The SPCA was initially concerned it would need to euthanize the dogs because it could not afford their care, but Pond View Kennel — an animal shelter in East Nassau — agreed to care for the animals until they could be adopted.

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01/05/12: Two Arrested for Animal Neglect, Dogs in Need of Home

Two people have been arrested and accused of leaving two pit bulls in a home they moved out of.

Forty-one-year-old Dodi Toomer and 19-year-old Shantel Quinones, both of Schenectady, were arrested for animal neglect and charged with failing to provide food and water to the dogs.

They face up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine with three years probation.

The dogs were rescued Tuesday night from Cutler Street in Schenectady and were treated by Shaker Veterinary Hospital in Latham.

According to the Schenectady SPCA, no shelter in the Capital Region will take the dogs and the SPCA does not have the funds to care for the animals.

Both dogs are available for immediate adoption. It is likely that if the dogs do not find a home or shelter by 12 p.m. Friday they will be euthanized.

For more information on the dogs please contact the Schenectady County SPCA at 518-755-9517.

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01/05/12: Owners Arrested, Homes Desperately Needed for Dogs

The Schenectady County SPCA arrested Dodi Toomer, 41, of Schenectady and Shantel Quinones, 19, of Schenectady and charged them with failing to provide food and water to a confined animal.

SPCA investigators say the two women left their pit-bulls, whom the SPCA renamed “Destiny” and “Barney”, inside a home they moved out of.

They face up to one year in jail, a $1000 fine and 3 years probation.

In addition, both Toomer and Quinones were cited for allegedly not having their dogs properly licensed which carries an additional fine.

While the arrest and saving treatment of the dogs are supposed to be the end to this horrific story, SPCA Chief Humane Law Enforcement David T. Dean says unfortunately it’s not.

“These dogs are still in trouble. There is no shelter in the Capital Region that is willing to take these animals. We contacted everyone that we know. The SPCA is out of money and cannot afford to keep the animals at the veterinarian past noon tomorrow. If we don’t find permanent shelter for both Destiny and Barney by that time, it is likely that both dogs will have to be humanely euthanized,” said Chief Dean. “Everything was done exactly the way it was supposed to be done. The community stepped up to plate and informed us of this problem and our volunteers rushed to the scene and saved these animals who were just hours from death. It’s frustrating that we now have no home to place these animals and all of our efforts may have been for nothing.”

Both pit-bulls were rescued Tuesday night at 838 Cutler Street in Schenectady. SPCA officers say they found the animals to be eating feces off of the floor and grease off of the stove just to stay alive. Both Destiny and Barney were taken to Shaker Vet Hospital in Latham and treated. During the first 48 hours of treatment both pit-bulls were responding well to the care.

“The SPCA relies on community donations to help us move forward and continue our fight against animal cruelty in the county. Coupled with what was a record year of arrests in 2011, the dog rescue last week inside that storage unit and now this ugly starvation case, we have spent what little money we had. I am asking anyone out there that wants to take one or both of these dogs in to please contact the Schenectady County SPCA immediately at 518-755-9517.” said Chief Dean. “We need your help once again and if you can’t care for these animals please help us with a donation.”

Officials say both Toomer and Quinones turned themselves in after repeated news coverage of the story and have fully cooperated with SPCA officers and will appear in Schenectady City Court Monday January 23, 2012 at 8:30am.

They have surrendered both Destiny and Barney over to the Schenectady County SPCA who are available for adoption immediately.

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01/04/12: Schenectady County SPCA Rescues Two Pit Bulls Left for Dead in Schenectady County

Fox 23 covers the sad story of two pit-bulls, Destiny and Barney, after their owners left them to die. Schenectady County SPCA officers rescued the animals after being tipped off by the community. SPCA Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer David T. Dean speaks out.

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01/04/12: Two Pit Bulls Left For Dead in Schenectady

The rescue and treatment of two pit-bulls left for dead by their owners is covered on WTEN-10. SPCA officers put a message out that they have clues that will lead them to the people responsible.

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01/04/12: SPCA Says They Know Who is Responsible for Abandoning Two Dogs

Two pit bulls were rescued from starvation in Schenectady and animal officers say they know who's responsible.

The dogs were found on Cutler Street. The SPCA says they were abandoned; left without food or water. Investigators are now in the process of tracking down their owner.

“Our intent is to hold the people responsible that watched especially the one animal deteriorate right before their eyes. It was severely malnourished. We did not find any water or food inside the residence and it appears the dogs were even consuming their own feces to sustain their life,” said David Dean of the Schenectady County SPCA.

Both dogs are being cared for by a veterinarian.

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01/04/12: Owners Wanted After Two Pit Bulls Found Emaciated

New details on the two dogs seized from a home in Schenectady on Tuesday night.

On Wednesday, the Schenectady Co. SPCA said the dogs are doing much better.

The dogs were found by officials in an abandoned home, and are now being cared for at Shaker Vet.

The SPCA says they are getting the nutrition they need as investigators search for the person responsible for the dogs' condition.

Schenectady Co. SPCA Chief Dave Dean says, "There was no food or water and they were close to dehydration. We didn't think they had another 24 or 48 hours past when we recovered them."

When arrested the SPCA says the suspect faces multiple misdemeanor counts of animal abandonment, neglect or cruelty charges along with heavy fines.

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01/04/12: New County SPCA Chief Sworn In

Former Troy Detective Sgt. leads SPCA after Tully steps down

A former Troy police officer is ready to investigate crimes once again, but not the kind of cases he used to focus on.

David Dean was sworn in as the new chief humane officer for the Schenectady County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on Tuesday, Jan. 3, following Matthew Tully's resignation due to his upcoming military deployment scheduled for July 2012.

Dean, formerly Detective Sergeant for the Troy Police Department, has 20 years of law enforcement experience aptly preparing him for his new position. Tully was the first chief of the SPCA.

"I am an animal lover and throughout the years I have had horses and dogs and cats," Dean said. "I don't want to be cliché in the whole give back thing, but... what else do you do with 20 years of police experience if you are not going to continue in law enforcement?"

In 2003, Dean was appointed by the Troy chief of police as public information officer and confidential advisor regarding internal and external department communications. National television productions, such as the History Channel and Discovery Channel, have even contacted Dean for expert analysis involving major criminal case investigations.

After Dean retired from the force in August 2009, he moved to Niskayuna. At 43 years old, he welcomes the opportunity to protect animals.

Being chief of the county SPCA doesn't carry any form of pay. Everyone working for the SPCA is a volunteer.

Tully expressed gratitude to Dean for stepping up to the unpaid leadership position and said he would be a great addition to the SPCA. The resumes don't come rolling in for people to work for free, according to Tully.

"I don't think there is any person better suited to be the chief humane law enforcement officer for the SPCA," Tully said. "He has tons of investigative knowledge and skills that will be a huge asset to the SPCA … We are honored to have such a high caliber person filling my shoes."

Dean commended Tully for his work at the SPCA and said he has "big shoes to fill."

A recent accomplishment for the SPCA was being appointed the county animal control officers for the purpose of enforcing licensing and control of dogs. The agreement allows for revenue generated from fines to be split evenly between the county Sheriff's Office and SPCA, with the SPCA's half going towards further enforcement and the Sheriff's Office's share going into an account only used for housing animals.

Dean isn't a newcomer to the SPCA because he has worked with the non-profit law enforcement agency for around two years. He said becoming active in a volunteer organization after retiring was important to him and the SPCA was a good fit.

"I really like the uniqueness of it frankly," he said. "Everybody that is a part of the organization has no ulterior motives than to do the right thing in the best interest of animals. I really like that nobody collects a paycheck and it is 100 percent volunteer. It takes such a dedication for the volunteers to continue with the organization."

Throughout his years at the Troy Police Department he said he saw "horror stories" of animal abuse and neglect.

"We are protecting and safeguarding animals that simply cannot do it for themselves," he said. "They are at the mercy of humans and I like the fact that we are one of the safeguards to hold humans accountable to how they treat their animals."

Since the agency is mostly run off of donations, Dean said he would focus on fundraising initiatives and recruiting more volunteers. Making sure people are aware of what the SPCA does is important, he said.

"It's important to state that it is the community's generosity that allows the SPCA to do what we do," he said in a statement. "We are all volunteers and rely on donations to help us act upon and prosecute animal rights violation cases."

He added he wants to break people out of thinking it is different when laws are applied to animals, because it is rooted in the same principles when applied to crimes against people.

"I am looking forward to working with the local towns and the local municipalities in Schenectady County and continuing the great relationship we have with them and becoming a true partner in reducing animal abuse and neglect," he said.

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01/04/12: Retired Troy Police Officer to Take Over as SPCA Chief

Department veteran is replacing local SPCA Chief Mathew Tully, who is resigning to prepare for upcoming military duty.

A regional search ended Tuesday afternoon with the appointment of David T. Dean as the Schenectady County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals’ new chief humane law enforcement officer. The position is unpaid.

Dean served 20 years with the Troy Police Department, where he was eventually appointed public information officer and confidential adviser in 2003 for both internal and external department communications. He retired in August 2009.

“It’s very hard to apply 20 years of law enforcement once you leave,” said Dean, “so I feel like I’m getting to use the skills that I obtained in that 20 years for a good cause and a good volunteer organization. They’ve done a lot in a short amount of time, and it’s an honor to be chosen to lead them.”

He will be the second SPCA chief humane law enforcement officer, and the first SPCA officer appointed as a special deputy sheriff under the terms of an agreement reached last year between the county and SPCA. Dean was sworn in Tuesday afternoon by Schenectady County Sheriff Dominic Dagostino.

SPCA’s board of directors decided on Dean for the position because his credentials proved him the most qualified, according to a news release issued Tuesday. During his time with Troy police, Dean was asked to provide expert analysis regarding major criminal cases by national media, such as the History Channel and the Discovery Channel. Dean also spent time volunteering his public relations skills for the SPCA from 2009-10.

“That was my first exposure to the organization, and I was very impressed at the commitment,” he said.

The biggest challenges Dean expects to face are also the most important to overcome for the organization, he said. First, he wants to recruit more volunteers, especially for the times staff are called out at odd hours on a case. In addition, he said he wants to fundraise aggressively and ask for more donations from the public, since the SPCA is an all-volunteer organization.

Tully, who has been a member of the National Guard since 1998, will deploy to Afghanistan for one year to train the Afghan National Police and possibly the Afghan National Army. The attorney formed the Schenectady County SPCA with his wife in 2008, the first new SPCA chapter in the state in 30 years.

Tully said the SPCA is lucky to have Dean at the helm of the organization.

“The citizens of Schenectady are fortunate to have such a skilled and experienced law enforcement officer helping improve the quality of life for animals and people at no taxpayer cost,” he said in the news release.

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01/03/12: Schenectady County SPCA Names New Chief

The Schenectady County SPCA has named David Dean as the organization's new Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer.

Dean was sworn in by Schenectady County Sheriff Dominic Dagostino on Tuesday afternoon. He replaces Chief Mathew Tully, who resigned due to an upcoming military deployment. Tully, a National Guard member, will spend one year in Afghanistan.

Dean spent 20 years with the Troy Police Department. He was appointed as public information officer and confidential advisor in 2003, and has provided analysis on major criminal case investigations to national television networks.

"The Schenectady County SPCA will assume new and complicated responsibilities in the New Year and beyond. I am ecstatic at the opportunity to face and meet these challenges head on and help the SPCA move forward as a leading animal protective organization in New York State," said Dean.

"The SPCA is lucky to have him take on this unpaid position," said Tully of Dean. "The citizens of Schenectady are fortunate to have such a skilled and experienced law enforcement officer helping improve the quality of life for animals and people at no taxpayer cost."

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01/03/12: Two Abandoned Pit Bulls Rescued

Schenectady County SPCA investigators rescue two pit-bulls who are found to be extremely malnourished and dehydrated on Cutler Street

Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer David T. Dean says the dogs were abandoned for weeks if not months to get as emaciated as they were.

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01/03/12: Two Dogs Seized After Abandonment

A tip to the SPCA Tuesday saved the lives of two animals.

The SPCA tells NEWS10 that they received a tip that the owners located at the address of 838 Cutler Street in Schenectady had moved out and left their animals without any food or water.

When the SPCA arrived at the location, they unveiled two starving pit bulls. The female was in really bad shape and extremely malnourished while the other male dog was in bad shape as well, but slightly better off than the female dog.

It is believed that not only were the animals living in their own feces, but they were eating it as well for survival.

The SPCA transported the pit-bulls to the Animal Emergency Clinic in Latham and will pursue charges on the people responsible once they are located.

As of right now, the SPCA is following leads on tracking down the owners resposible for the malnourishment of the two dogs.

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01/03/12: Dogs Seized in Schenectady

The Schenectady County SPCA tells FOX23 News that someone moved out of a home on Cutler Street and left the animals inside. The SPCA says the house was in bad shape with feces scattered throughout the home. The animals are now being taken to the vet.

The SPCA is following up on a number of leads.