Almost 40 Dogs Rescued From Freezing Temps With No Food Or Water

An anonymous tip led to an emergency seizure of thirty-two adult dogs, six puppies, and one kitten.

The Steuben County Sheriff’s Animal Cruelty Investigation team responded to an anonymous tip of several dogs left without appropriate shelter for the elements. Deputies investigated and conducted an emergency seizure of thirty-two adult dogs, six puppies and one kitten, due to the alleged combination of extreme weather conditions and no access to food or water at that time.

The initial intake examination found several of the dogs with a variety of untreated health issues as well as the majority of them being unsocialized to humans. 

Deputies arrested Donald T. Rush, age 58, Gary W. Rush, age 65, and Garner R. Rush, age 69, of Feenaughty Hill Road in the Town of Howard, New York. All three men were arrested for Overdriving, Torturing, and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance, in violation of Article 27, Section 353, a Class A misdemeanor, and Appropriate Shelter for Dogs Left Outdoors, in Violation of Article 27, Section 353B, both of the New York State Agricultural and Markets Law. The three men willingly signed ownership of the animals over. 

Please be aware that all dogs that are outside for any amount of time must be provided with adequate shelter and must be water and wind resistance on all sides, be properly insulated with blankets or straw, and of appropriate size for the animal. Be aware that the animal should be fed and watered twice daily. Prevention of animal abuse is everyone’s responsibility. If you are aware of any incident of Animal Cruelty that needs to be investigated contact 911 to file a report or make an anonymous report with as many details as possible.