Animal control officer, Shaheen "Ryan" Shaheen, 33, charged in dog's death

NEW YORK -- The Tupper Lake dog-control officer was arrested after a canine was found dead at the shelter, police say.

On Tuesday, Nov. 17, State Police arrested Shaheen "Ryan" Shaheen, 33, on two charges: neglect of an impounded animal and torturing or injuring animals or failure to provide sustenance.

Both are misdemeanors under State Agriculture and Markets Law.

Shaheen had collected the dog on Oct. 2 and housed it at the Tupper Lake Animal Shelter on Big Wolf Road, State Police said in a news release.

"The dog was in poor health at the time of confiscation, and its health continued to deteriorate while at the shelter," the release said.

"Shaheen failed to provide the dog with proper care and needed veterinary service."

Town Supervisor Patricia Littlefield said the dog was found running loose without any identification or indication of who its owner was.

RESIGNED
The dog was found dead in the shelter on Oct. 26.

The next day, Tupper Lake Town Council members met with Shaheen, who resigned from his position.

He is employed at the Town of Tupper Lake Highway Department.

Reached at work on Wednesday, he offered "no comment" when asked to talk about what happened with the dog.

Littlefield said the Town Council appointed an interim dog-control officer, Wayne LaPierre, who will hold the post until Tupper Lake's organizational meeting in January.

At that time, Tupper Lake will enter into a contractual agreement with the Tri-Lakes Humane Society to take stray or allegedly abused animals.

In the past, the town had considered contracting with that Saranac Lake agency for dog control but felt the cost was more than the budget could afford.

But after an animal-cruelty case last summer, when 54 charges were brought against a Tupper Lake couple, the town moved to contract with the society.

The Tupper Lake Animal Shelter, located at the transfer station and owned by the town, does have a holding area for animals confiscated in complaint cases. The heated building is is fitted with a running yard for animals.

CARE REQUIRED BY LAW
Littlefield could say little more about the case.

"The dog died while in custody, and it is a matter still under investigation by State Police," she said.

Following his arrest, Shaheen was released on an appearance ticket. He is due back on Tupper Lake Town Court on Nov. 25.

State law requires any authority that has impounded an animal to provide care.

The dog-control officer can petition the animal's owner for boarding and veterinary care costs with a court order. If the owner does not meet the deadline, the animal can be released for adoption.

In this case, the owner was not found.

(Press Republican - Nov 22, 2015)