Three dead dogs, emaciated pit bull found in Malta

UPDATE TO STORY: "Shayna Tabachneck, 39, pleaded guilty to starving her dogs to death"

NEW YORK -- Shayna L. Tabachneck, 39, of Route 9 in Malta, was charged July 21 with two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals (Buster’s Law), a felony; endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor; failure to provide sustenance to an animal, a misdemeanor; and improper disposal of a dead animal, a violation.

The New York State Police at Saratoga began an investigation at the Malta Gardens Park on Route 9 in Malta after neighbors complained of a strong odor coming from a residence. Neighbors also gave statements regarding the suspicious disappearance of dogs and cats that were usually seen outside the home.

 

 

Troopers who responded to the scene and conducted the investigation also detected a strong foul odor coming from the general area outside the residence. After interviewing the resident and a brief search, officers located two dead dogs in garbage bags in a shed behind the residence.

Further investigation of the premises led to the discovery of a third dead dog in a bedroom within the residence and an live but emaciated young male pit bull, along with five cats. The cats were found to be in fair health, and no charges were filed resulting from their care.

Two dead dogs in garbage bags were found in this shed.

No cause of death for the dogs has been determined, and officials are looking into the possibility of autopsies in the future. All remaining animals have been seized from the owner.

Living conditions within the home were very poor, with feces and urine throughout the home.

Tabachneck’s 14-year-old son lived in the home with her, and because of these conditions and his age, the endangering charge was also lodged along with the animal-related charges. The child was turned over to relatives for care at the time of Tabachneck’s arrest.

The investigation has been closed, and Tabachneck was arraigned in the Town of Malta Court on the day of arrest and remanded to the Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $2,500 dollars cash bail or $5,000 dollar bond.

The New York State Police would like to thank the Village of Ballston Spa Animal Control for their assistance in the investigation and removal of the animals.

(Saratogian News - July 22, 2015)