3 Abused Dachshunds Found Abandoned In A Foreclosed Home: Putnam County SPCA

MAHOPAC, NY — A heartbreaking find has led animal welfare officials to arrest a Putnam County man.

The Putnam County SPCA says that they received a complaint on March 22, about three dogs that were possibly abandoned inside a foreclosed home on Eleanor Drive, in Mahopac.

SPCA detectives and officers responded to the address and met with a representative of a company acting on behalf of the entity holding the deed to the property.

Once they entered the home, they reportedly found three male dachshunds confined in a basement in total darkness, surrounded by large amounts of garbage, rubbish, feces, and debris.

SPCA detectives say that there was no food or water available for the dogs.

Officials declared the conditions to be unsanitary and unsafe for the animals, which were then immediately removed from the home and taken to Guardian Veterinary Specialists for medical evaluation and treatment.

Veterinarians determined the animals to be in a state of neglect and suffering from several medical conditions consistent with prolonged lack of proper care. Their findings included severe dental disease; severe ocular disease; long, overgrown toenails; scaly, dry skin; and a foul odor consistent with lack of grooming and sanitation. One dog was found to be extremely emaciated, with a body condition score of 1.5 out of 9.

Officials say that all three dogs are currently stable, receiving ongoing medical care, and are in the process of recovering under the supervision of veterinarians. They will become adoptable in the future.

After an investigation by the Putnam County SPCA Law Enforcement Division, a Mahopac man, identified as 62-year-old Michael Ward, was arrested on March 25. He was charged with allegedly committing three counts of animal cruelty relating to the neglect of the dogs.

If anyone has any further information about this case, they are asked to contact the Putnam County SPCA at 845-520-6915.