Putnam Woman Charged With Animal Cruelty

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — A Kent resident faces an animal cruelty charge from the Putnam County SPCA.

Elizabeth Santos, 53, will be arraigned on the misdemeanor charge in the Town of Kent Justice Court on May 18.

The arrest was made in connection with a severely matted and emaciated dog found limping down chief Ninham Drive by a Good Samaritan who called the Kent Dog Control Officer, who called the SPCA.

The mix-breed poodle was immediately taken to Guardian Veterinary Specialists in Brewster, where it was found to also be dehydrated and suffering from Lyme’s Disease.

After receiving an anonymous call, officers of the Putnam County SPCA Law Enforcement Division were able to locate Santos, and interviewed her at the Town of Kent Police Department where she was ultimately placed under arrest. SPCA officers charged the Chief Nimham Drive resident with one count of animal cruelty, a class A misdemeanor.

"If you own an animal, treat it as you would want to be treated. If you find you are falling behind in its care, reach out to a rescue group or the Putnam County SPCA and seek their help and guidance," Putnam County SPCA Chief Ken Ross said. "Doing nothing isn’t an acceptable action – the animal suffers and the owner becomes subject to arrest.”

The poodle mix is recovering nicely after being groomed and treated by Guardian Veterinary Specialists, he said.

Putnam County SPCA 24 Hour Hotline – 845-520-6915. Website – www.spcaputnam.org