Another troubling animal cruelty investigation is underway in the Village of Bath after police discovered more than two dozen sick and deceased cats inside a Pine Street residence.
Last Friday, officers were called to the home for a report of a large number of ill and dead cats. Following a brief investigation, police obtained a search warrant. Inside, they found the house in deplorable condition—so severe that it was condemned.
According to police, 25 cats were found inside, all appearing to be in poor health. They were turned over to the Finger Lakes SPCA, where veterinarians determined all of the animals were extremely ill, maltreated, and in need of extensive care.
The home’s sole occupant, 68-year-old Valetina Perry, was charged with 25 counts of failure to provide proper sustenance. She was released on an appearance ticket.
This incident follows another recent case in Bath. Earlier this month, police charged a woman after discovering a dog left to die in an apartment on Howell Street.
On November 12, officers responded to the residence for a report of a deceased dog and found a pit bull mix locked inside a crate with no access to food or water. Investigators believe the dog had been left unattended for several weeks. Police noted a full bag of dog food was found just two feet from the crate.
The investigation determined that 30-year-old Kassidy Hall had moved out and abandoned the dog. She was arrested two weeks ago and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, then arraigned and released on an appearance ticket.
On October 4, officers discovered the remains of another pit bull in a Rumsey Street apartment. In that case, 23-year-old Zachariah Hill was also charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.
Bath Police are reminding residents that resources are available for anyone struggling to care for their pets, and urge people to seek help rather than abandon an animal.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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