Oneida County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 48-year-old Bridget LaClaire at her Route 365 home in Verona after receiving an animal cruelty report.
A white pit bull named Sapphire was found in the resident’s yard, chained to a tree. A choke collar around the dog’s neck was so tight it tore into the dog’s neck. The dog was left unattended, allowing flies and maggots to get into the wound.
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| Sapphire |
Deputies used bolt cutters to free the dog. A Husky breed named Sunday was also found at the residence. Both were left outside with no food or water. Dog Warden Sue Gardinier took custody of both animals and transported the pit bull to the Village Vet in Wampsville for treatment.
LaClaire was charged under New York Agriculture and Markets Law with failing to provide proper sustenance to the animals. The charge is considered a class A misdemeanor and could carry, at most, a one-year prison sentence. She is scheduled to appear in Verona Town Court in September.
The case is still under investigation.
(Oneida Dispatch - August 27, 2012)
