Target: Robert V. Tend, District Attorney of Putnam County, New York
Goal: Prosecute kennel owner allegedly charged with 16 counts of animal abuse at a facility that marketed itself as a safe, family-like home for boarded dogs.
A deeply troubling case of alleged animal abuse has emerged at a dog boarding facility that marketed itself as a place where pets could “roam freely, socialize, and be cared for like family.” The owner of the facility was arrested following an investigation into allegations of animal abuse at his kennel in Mahopac, New York. The Putnam County SPCA announced the arrest and confirmed that the accused is facing 16 counts related to alleged acts of animal abuse — one of the most serious charge counts of its kind seen in the county. The alleged acts have not been publicly detailed pending the ongoing investigation, which authorities have indicated is continuing.
According to the SPCA Chief, detectives made the arrest following an investigation that included interviews with several individuals connected to the facility. The accused had reportedly taken over daily operations of the boarding business when it expanded into Putnam County, meaning the animals were in his direct care and under his direct authority. Owners who entrusted their beloved pets to the facility did so believing they would be safe — the allegations suggest a profound and calculated betrayal of that trust. Authorities have urged anyone with additional information about conditions at the facility to come forward, suggesting investigators believe there may be further evidence yet to surface.
Dog boarding facilities operate in a position of unique trust — pet owners hand over their animals to the care of strangers, often for extended periods, with no means of monitoring what occurs behind closed doors. When that trust is abused, the full force of the law must be brought to bear. The investigation must be pursued to its conclusion without delay, and the District Attorney must ensure that all 16 charges are prosecuted vigorously and that sentencing reflects the severity of the alleged betrayal inflicted on these animals.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear DA Tend,
We are writing in response to a deeply disturbing case in which the owner of a dog boarding facility has been charged with 16 counts related to alleged acts of animal abuse — at an establishment that explicitly promised owners their pets would be cared for “like family.” The Putnam County SPCA has confirmed the arrest and indicated that the investigation is ongoing, with authorities urging additional witnesses to come forward. The scale of the charges — 16 counts — suggests abuse that was neither isolated nor accidental.
We are gravely concerned that animals entrusted to this facility by their owners, who believed they were leaving their pets in a safe and caring environment, may have suffered repeated harm at the hands of the very person responsible for their welfare. The ongoing nature of the investigation suggests the full picture of what occurred at this facility has not yet been fully established, making it all the more critical that prosecution is pursued with thoroughness and resolve.
We respectfully demand that your office prosecute all 16 charges to the fullest extent of the law, ensure that any sentencing outcome includes a permanent prohibition on animal ownership and operation of any animal care business, and publicly support the SPCA’s call for additional witnesses to come forward. These animals had no way to call for help — their owners trusted a system that allegedly failed them. We ask that your office deliver justice on their behalf.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Lubomir Vladikov
