Kennel owner pleads guilty to animal cruelty

NEW YORK -- The owner and operator of the Dodge Boarding Kennels in Getzville have pleaded guilty to charges after investigators seized 77 animals living in deplorable conditions and another 72 dead animals stored in freezers.

On Wednesday, Maria Faricellie, owner, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct. Sheila Meli, operator, pleaded guilty to attempted animal cruelty.

 

Both women must undergo mental health evaluations and comply with any counseling recommendations. They must also attend the SPCA's Animal Awareness Course and complete an as yet to be determined amount of community service hours.

The animals were found during a raid last November. While most of the rescued animals were adopted, a few were unable to be saved and have since died.

The SPCA calls this a case of animal hoarding.

Neither woman is allowed to own pets for the next three years and the SPCA is allowed to inspect their properties.

(WKBW - May 15, 2015)

Earlier:

• Dead animals, others barely alive, found at Getzville boarding kennel
• Deceased animals stashed away in bags in freezers