- New York, USA -
On the morning of Monday, February 26, 2024, the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at A Canine Gem, an animal rescue nonprofit on 30 Ashley Road in Beekmantown, following allegations of animal cruelty. Law enforcement removed forty-nine (49) dogs from the facility.
On the scene, assisting the sheriff’s office were a veterinarian, a veterinarian technician, NYS Environmental Conservation Police, several members of the SPCA, and local animal control.
The following day, February 27, 2024, Clinton County Sheriff David Favro and Clinton County District Attorney Andrew Wylie addressed the media outside the Clinton County Jail.
During the news conference, Sheriff Favro described the conditions the Voiceless Victims were found in and pointed out that “Malnutrition was one of the biggest concerns.” He said: “Most, if not all, were underfed, some severally underfed. There were a couple of them that couldn’t even stand up.” Sheriff Favro also said the furvictims were completely covered in feces and had injuries to their paws.
“Pets are supposed to bring joy and pleasure to all of us and to have them just boxed up and caged up and treated that way is just not acceptable,” stated Sheriff Favro.
The rescued dogs were taken to the jail and housed in a cell unit for prisoners that was not being used at the moment. Sheriff Favro stressed that having the dogs at the jail is the best option at this time, ensuring that there are people present around the clock in a heated facility without incurring additional costs for the county.
The Voiceless Victims are not available for adoption just yet as they are being considered evidence in the ongoing investigation.
District Attorney Wylie said the owner of A Canine Gem, HILARY DAVIS (pictured), is facing a slew of charges. “I believe there are 25 counts of violation for the condition of the dogs and there are approximately 45 counts of charges for the facility itself,” he explained.
Sheriff Favro added that depending on the results of the veterinarians’ evaluations, several more charges could also be filed against DAVIS. He also said: “Some of these dogs, whether or not they make it — if they don’t — that’s going to elevate things and change the terms and conditions of the overall outcome”.
A disturbing piece of information revealed by District Attorney Wylie, is that back in 2019, A Canine Gem operated in Winooski, Vermont where it also faced several animal cruelty allegations.
Sheriff Favro believes DAVIS’ operation extends outside the area and said: “We are even getting word that maybe even further than Vermont, so we are looking into all possible avenues”.
DAVIS is not in custody but as Sheriff Favro said, they have all that information and they are just waiting to conclude the case and complete the investigation before filing all the charges.
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.
Please note that details may be removed or new information added should such sources report an update.
In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.
DAVIS’ photo shared from an article published by Seven Days on October 22, 2019.
Additional Source:
