06/03/2026
The Putnam County SPCA announces the arrest of a 64-year-old male resident of Fair Street in the Town of Patterson, following an animal cruelty investigation involving numerous dogs allegedly found living in neglected conditions.
The investigation began on May 17th after the Putnam County SPCA received a complaint concerning a large number of dogs allegedly being housed at a residence within the Town of Patterson. Through the course of the investigation, SPCA officers conducted interviews, gathered evidence, reviewed veterinary findings, coordinated with outside agencies and rescue organizations, and evaluated the welfare of the numerous animals located on the property.
As a result of the investigation, approximately thirty-four (34) dogs, consisting primarily of Labrador Retrievers and several French Bulldogs, were identified and evaluated. Veterinary examinations conducted found the majority of the dogs to be severely emaciated and showing signs of neglect (urine scalding, skin infections, foul odor, and dirty/infected ears.)
The Putnam County SPCA alleges that multiple animals were maintained in conditions inconsistent with acceptable minimal standards of care, including alleged deficiencies relating to basic nutrition, sanitation, medical attention, housing, and overall animal welfare.
The 64 year old male subject was arrested and charged with thirty-four (34) counts of Animal Cruelty under New York State Agriculture & Markets Law, Article 26, Section 353.
The Putnam County SPCA wishes to acknowledge and thank the veterinarians, veterinary staff, animal rescue organizations, and partner agencies that provided substantial assistance during this investigation and the subsequent care of the animals involved: A New Chance Animal Rescue, Putnam Humane Society, Care of DC, Guardian Veterinary Specialists, Southeast Animal Hospital, Middlebranch Veterinary, Alternate Mobile Veterinary Service, and Millwood Animal Hospital. Cases involving large numbers of animals, especially those with extreme medical needs, require significant coordination, logistical support, medical resources, and ongoing commitment from numerous professionals and organizations.
For those interested in fostering or adopting any of these dogs, please contact A New Chance Animal Rescue www.anewchancear.org who took custody of the majority of the dogs or the Putnam Humane Society www.puthumane.org who has a few.
We also thank the Putnam County Health Department and Putnam County Adult Protective Services for assisting as well.
**Names of criminally accused defendants are not released by the Putnam County SPCA on social media platforms due to the possibility of records being sealed during or after court proceedings. Names of criminally accused defendants are released in press releases to media outlets, as members of the press do not have the same obligations as described above. As in all criminal matters, the charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.**
