Abuse case leaves SPCA looking for support in caring for 37 neglected dogs

NORWICH – Authorities seized dozens of neglected dogs from a Town of German barn earlier this week and they are now in the care of the Chenango County SPCA.

In a single day, the occupancy at the shelter went from about five dogs held in the kennel to 42, reported Executive Director Carol J. Hedlund.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Department took custody of 37 caged dogs after arresting their owner, Barbara Brentana, 51, of Burkholder Road, McDonough, Jan. 4. She was charged with 37 counts of failing to provide for an impounded animal.



Until she is cleared of the charges against her or convicted, the animals will remain in the care of the SPCA, which has so far shouldered the costs rising into the thousands. Hedlund said that by the time the animals receive medical treatment, food and shelter, the costs would rise into the tens of thousands for the non-profit group.

The agency is asking for donations of bleach, paper towels or any other items. Hedlund reported that she had to hire additional staff, adding 8 hours per day to the pay roll. The shelter is also looking for volunteers to help out on weekdays or weekends. If you would like to contribute to the SPCA, contact them at 334-9724.

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Reader Response

4 comments on this story

pugfan135
January 14th, 2008 at 10:37 am
First, you should actually volunteer some time and you will see the state of these poor animals! Those puppies are in ok condition, but that is only 5 of 37! The rest are not in good shape and these dogs have not had real human contact in their entire lives. They have been locked in cages and used as breeding machines. The wonderful people at the SPCA are working hard to help all of those animals get healthy. That woman should be locked in a cage herself!!
m7gw
January 12th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
it's amazing what a bath, food, and decent living conditions can do - even within a week's time. the mere presence of 37 dogs on one property is too many - I applaud the SPCA's efforts to protect these animals.
wicvir
January 12th, 2008 at 10:51 am
I agree. These puppies look quite well-taken care of. It seems to me the woman in German may not have been up to snuff on her licensing, but still cared for the puppies. Perhaps if there weren't so many local government hoops to jump through (money-making licensing fees, etc.) these puppies could have remained where they were and wouldn't have ended up over-burdening the SPCA.
issylu
January 11th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
If the SPCA has only had these animals for a week they must have really flourished in seven days??? Or maybe the picture was touched up?
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