Dog Breeder Kept Dogs in Unsafe, Unsanitary Conditions

A woman in Gardiner is facing charges of animal cruelty because they were being kept in conditions that were called “appalling.”

The Ulster County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals removed five dogs from the home of Jill Hamilton, 63, a breeder of Shetland sheepdogs, according to the Kingston Daily Freeman. The dogs were removed on Friday and taken to the SPCA shelter in the town of Ulster for evaluation.

The removal was conducted by members of the state police and SPCA officials. Hamilton faces one misdemeanor count of animal cruelty for each dog and was to be arraigned on Wednesday.

Hamilton’s home was found to be filled with debris, garbage, and both human and dog waste. SPCA humane law enforcement officers obtained a search warrant after a preliminary investigation early last week found dogs were being kept in a deteriorated structure. Hamilton lived on Dusinberre Road. She is a registered American Kennel Club breeder of Shetland sheepdogs, according to the Freeman.

PHOTO: An example of a Shetland sheepdog, of the type taken from a home in Gardiner/Commons.wikimedia.org.