Three Steuben County residents have been charged following a Steuben County Sheriff’s Office investigation into reports of neglected and severely underweight dogs.
Sheriff Jim Allard said investigators arrested Jessica Raish, 36, Mark Raish, 41, and Katelina Raish, 21, all of County Route 29 in Canisteo, on Tuesday. Authorities allege the three failed to provide proper nourishment, hydration, and sanitary living conditions for two dogs kept at their residence.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, both dogs were removed from the home and transported to the Hornell Humane Society, where they received emergency medical treatment.
Each defendant was charged with two counts of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance, a violation of New York Agriculture and Markets Law. All three were issued appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear in Canisteo Town Court at a later date.
Sheriff Allard thanked the Hornell Humane Society for its assistance during the investigation.
The fact that a person has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
