SPCA arrest of an individual for severely neglecting his dog

The Putnam County SPCA Law Enforcement Division was dispatched to a call of a severely
neglected mini-poodle on Saturday, August 5th. SPCA Detectives responded to the Lake ShoreDrive, Putnam Lake (Town of Patterson) residence and observed an extremely matted, 9-year-old male mini poodle. The dog was unable to see or walk properly due to the extreme matting in front of its eyes and around its extremities. The dog had a heavy odor of feces and urine. The dog was transported by the Putnam County SPCA Dog Control Officer to Guardian Veterinary Specialists in Brewster for Emergency Care.

The 13.8 lb. mini-poodle, named “Pierre”, had over 8 lbs. of feces and urine-soaked matting
removed from its body. It took three (3) Guardian Veterinary Specialist staff members, over 2
hours, to remove all the matting on the mini poodle.

The dog is currently still receiving care at the animal hospital and is doing well. Putnam County SPCA Chief Ken Ross stated, “This is one of the worst cases of matting that we have encountered.

The severity of the matting interfered with the dog’s ability to function normally without pain and restriction. The dog was impacted and suffered from urine scalding because of the neglect. This situation could have been resolved with the normal care a pet owner should provide their pet. I would like to thank our Dog Control Officer and the staff of Guardian Veterinary Specialists for the care given to this neglected dog.”

The dog owner, Brian Edwards, was charged with animal cruelty by Putnam County SPCA
Detectives and will be arraigned in the Town of Patterson Justice Court on August 30, 2023.

Putnam County SPCA 24 Hour Hotline – 845-520-6915

www.spcaputnam.org

The Putnam County SPCA is a 501(c)3 not for profit corporation which receives no
funding from the ASPCA, New York State, or the federal government. Our mission is to
prevent cruelty to all animals by enforcing the NYS cruelty statutes by our countywide humane
law enforcement department, providing medical care and shelter to abused animals and
providing Humane Education to schools and other interested groups. Given law enforcement
powers by the State of New York, the Putnam County SPCA responds to calls of suspected animal cruelty throughout Putnam County.