KENT – Putnam County SPCA Chief Ken Ross has seen far too many cases of animal abuse and neglect during his decades’ long career, yet the veteran law enforcement officer described the condition of an eight-year-old female Catahoula Leopard mix dog found in Kent Monday as “one of the most emaciated dogs” he had ever seen.
Shannon McMahon, 42, was arrested on charges of animal neglect in connection with the case.
Chief Ross said Kent Police requested that he respond to McMahon’s residence on Chief Nimham Drive. Officers were already at the home regarding a dispute between landlord and tenant and while there, cops observed the severely emaciated dog.
“Abby” was seized by SPCA detectives and was transported to Guardian Veterinary Specialists in Brewster where it was examined and found to weigh only 21 pounds with a body condition score of 1/9.
Ross said, “according to the examining veterinarian, a healthy version of this dog should be between 40-50 pounds with a body condition score of 5/9.”
Ross said a further examination of “Abby’ revealed her to be in good health except for being severely emaciated due to lack of proper feeding.
McMahon was arrested and following arraignment in Kent Town Court was released without bail pending a future court appearance.
The offense is a misdemeanor under the state’s penal code carrying a maximum year’s incarceration in a county jail plus fines of up to $1,000 if found guilty.
Ross reminded pet owners of their responsibility for the “health and well- being of their pets. Although we are not a shelter, we do offer outreach
programs for people who have difficulty in feeding their pets, but we need to be involved long before the animal reaches the stage that “Abby” is in. Failing to do so will result in an arrest of animal neglect, and the possible death of the pet.”
Putnam County residents in need of help can call the SPCA Hotline at 845-520-6915.
