New York: One of seven dogs returned to Anthony Thompson, 35, accused of animal cruelty

NEW YORK -- One of seven dogs removed from a North Norwich property in January has been returned to the man accused of animal cruelty.

Anthony Thompson, 35, of Johnson City, is charged with six counts of animal cruelty, one count for each dog abused. According Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride, the one dog returned to Thompson was not abused.

McBride said that Wedensday there was a hearing in the Town of Norwich Court regarding the defendant’s request for the return of the animals.

Six of the pit bulls are already in the process of being adopted, McBride said.

McBride said his office requested that Thompson not be allowed to possess the one pit bull or any other dog while the matter is pending. That request was denied by the court.

McBride said there will be a trial in the future, but didn't give a specific date.

The Chenango County Sheriff's Office found the seven pit bulls on a property off of a small dirt road in North Norwich on Jan. 30.

(WBNG - March 24, 2016)