CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, N.Y. (WKBW) — Authorities in Cattaraugus County say a woman with a past animal abuse conviction was found in possession of dozens of dogs. 7 News was told by the Phoenix Humane Society of Greater Cattaraugus that all 27 dogs are Chihuahua mixes.
On Thursday morning, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant on Donna Truesdale's home following an investigation into her possibly possessing animals.
Deputies say Truesdale was in possession of 27 dogs, which is a violation of the Cattaraugus County Animal Abuser Registry law that she was placed on following a previous animal abuse conviction.
Truesdale was arrested and charged with second-degree obstruction of governmental administration, 27 counts of unlawfully possessing an animal by an animal abuser, one count of failing to register as an animal abuser and a violation of probation warrant. The custody of the dogs was safely transferred to the Dog Control Officers.
7 News was told the dogs have been split between four different shelters while they all receive medical care: Empire Animal Rescue Society, Joyful Rescues,Phoenix Humane Society of Greater Cattaraugus, Inc. and the SPCA in Cattaraugus County.
"They are very friendly dogs; they are very sweet," Phoenix Humane Society Director Kassie Englund said.
"For what they've been through, they have so much love and affection to give," Phoenix Humane Society Social Media Coordinator Avie Shawl said. "We are beyond grateful to be able to be part of this and provide love and care to these dogs."
Englund and Shawl tell 7 News the dogs aren't ready for adoption yet. They will receive medical care while the sheriff's investigation of the incident continues.
The Phoenix Humane Society's Facebook page will provide updates on their availability. You can also donate monetarily.
