New York: Animal shelter worker, Angela Bartlett, 32, charged with animal cruelty

NEW YORK -- A shelter worker at Wanderers' Rest Humane Association in Chittenango has been charged with two counts of animal cruelty in connection with the employee's personal dog, according to Madison County sheriff's deputies.

Angela Bartlett, 32, of New Boston Road in the town of Sullivan, was charged Saturday with two counts of animal cruelty under the state Department of Agriculture and Markets law, said Capt. Eric Ali.

Bartlett was charged with overdriving, torturing or injuring an animal and failure to provide sustenance, a misdemeanor; and not having appropriate shelter for a dog left outside, a violation.

Police said they received a complaint in November about a malnourished dog at Bartlett's residence, and after responding observed that the dog showed signs of malnutrition. Police said a deputy spoke to Bartlett and outlined corrective actions she should take.

The deputy checked on the dog several times and it seemed to be doing better, but the last time the officer visited the residence the dog's condition has deteriorated, police said. 

The animal was seized by the local animal control officer and taken to a local vet, who determined the dog was underweight and had other medical conditions related to improper care, deputies said.

Bartlett, who is a shelter worker at Wanderers' Rest, is still employed by the organization.

Linda DeMuro, executive director of Wanderers' Rest, said the incident was not shelter-related, and stated that she has no concerns about Bartlett's work.

"She is an employee, and she exercises extremely good judgment while working here," DeMuro said.

DeMuro said the shelter's number of adoptions has risen substantially in the past quarter, in part due to Bartlett's efforts.

DeMuro said the dog, a German shepherd mix, came to Bartlett through her brother. She also said Bartlett had "made an appointment to seek support" since the incident.

"It's a very sad situation,'' she said, adding it can be hard to find a new home for a pet.

"Folks are often very judgmental when it comes to surrendering an animal, and it can be due to a financial situation or because the person can't have the animal in their particular living arrangement,'' DeMuro said. "People can be very hard on someone who surrenders an animal. We need to be more sensitive when someone needs to do that, and work together."

Bartlett is scheduled to appear in Sullivan town court Feb. 2.

(Syracuse.com - Jan 6, 2016)