Two residents of the Town of Junius are facing animal cruelty charges after deputies discovered multiple dogs living in dangerous and unsanitary conditions during last week’s heat wave.
According to Seneca County Sheriff Tim Thompson, deputies responded to a complaint at a Strang Road residence shortly after 1 on Monday afternoon. The investigation revealed that several dogs, owned by 83-year-old Lester Vangelder and 72-year-old Melody Vangelder, had been left tethered to trees without supervision, access to water, or adequate shelter, placing them at risk of serious injury or death.
Deputies say the dogs were found in poor living conditions, exposed to extreme heat, and lacking basic care. The animals were seized and removed from the property with assistance from Beverly’s Animal Shelter to receive proper care and medical attention.
Both Lester and Melody Vangelder were arrested and charged with three counts each of Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance and three counts each of Failure to Provide Appropriate Shelter for Dogs Left Outdoors, under New York Agriculture and Markets Law.
The case remains under investigation.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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