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by Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society, Inc.
Did you know, good intentions can and do turn bad when the purpose changes from the rescue of animals to treating them as property for profit?
In December of 2024, our organization was called to assist another animal welfare organization with the intake of 71 surrendered small animals of various species while the lead organization accepted parrots and assorted farm animals when the caregiver could no longer care for them. Over 120 plus creatures, large and small, from one house on three acres of property belonging to a former rescuer. Within the month of doing this good deed of in-taking all of these animals, both organizations were sued for their return.
After seeing and smelling the conditions in which these animals had been subjected to there was the obligation to not return any of the animals and the duty to pursue animal neglect charges to prevent a repeat situation.
Unfortunately, the wheels of justice turn very slowly and in that time more animals had been obtained by the homeowner. Upon the arrest of this person, the Investigator took notice of the odor emanating from the interior of the home which led him to secure a warrant for the premises. This past week our organization at the request of the Orange County Sheriff’s office assisted in the execution of the warrant. This resulted in the immediate seizure of 67 assorted species of animals found confined inside and outside of the house due to unhealthy and unsanitary conditions. Dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles, ferrets, peafowl, guinea pigs, pocket pets, parrots, a wallaby, goat, rooster, wild bird, and a wild disabled duck were all in the house. Outside 3 Call ducks were removed from a barren, muddy hutch. Being unable to take most of the outside farm animals due to space restrictions at the shelter, we were forced to regrettably leave them behind. The Investigator was able to obtain an amended warrant allowing for their removal and we returned two days later with the assistance of Animal Nation, a non-profit Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Facility, Farm animal rescue and sanctuary and domestic animal rescue and adoption center from Westchester. As suspected, some of the animals were no longer there: the Emu, domestic geese, 4 peafowl and a federally protected swan which is against the law to possess. The rest of the animals including pigs and chickens were safely removed leaving behind about a dozen peacocks. A caged raccoon was also discovered in a remote portion of the property. In total, this time around, 84 animals were seized. 
The time involved to safely capture, transport and settle all of these animals exceeded 10 straight hours. Animal control and shelter staff are physically and emotionally exhausted due to the conditions these animals were forced to live in and their obvious neglect. And there is the increased financial burden associated with these large scale seizures on both organizations involved. Despite being a small animal shelter we will always find a way to help alleviate animal suffering no matter the number or species. Your support is greatly appreciated and much needed at this time. “There is no excuse for animal abuse.” – Unknown
Pet of the Week:
She was found left in a crate at the bank of the Hudson River with a bag of food. Her distinctive heart face matches her personality. She’s a happy, wiggly girl in need of a committed caregiver for the rest of her life.
Adoption applications are available at wvhumane.org or call 845-986-2473 for more information.
