Animal Cruelty Charge In Christmas Eve Arrest

PUTNAM VALLEY, NY — A town resident spent time in county jail Christmas Eve over accusations of animal cruelty. The two starving horses removed from his home are receiving veterinary care from horse rescuers.

Putnam County SPCA officers said they executed a search and seizure warrant at 16 South Highland Road, where they found two extremely neglected, gelded, thoroughbred horses.

Equine veterinarians examined the horses and found them to be a 1 out of 5 on the equine body scale, which equates the horse’s body type to severe emaciation, officials said.

The horses had no grain, no grass to graze, filthy un-mucked stalls, feces strewn about the paddock, and neglected and extremely unsafe conditions. The horses also had other issues showing severe neglect, officials alleged.

Putnam County SPCA officers arrested Paul O’Dair Christmas Eve on 2 counts of alleged animal cruelty. Each charge has the possibility of one year in jail, a thousand dollar fine, or combination of both.

O’Dair was arraigned in the Town of Putnam Valley Court on Dec. 24 and was being held in Putnam County Jail as of Dec. 26.

The Putnam County SPCA is a 501(c)3 not for profit corporation which receives no funding from ASPCA, New York State, or federal government. Given law enforcement powers by the State of New York, the Putnam County SPCA responds to calls of suspected animal cruelty throughout Putnam County.

If you suspect animal cruelty in Putnam County, call the SPCA 24 Hour Hotline – 845-520-6915