Washington County Sheriff’s Dept., Dog Control Officers, SQSPCA Collaborate To Save Hound Dogs

COOPERSTOWN—The Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was on the road early this morning, assisting the Washington County Sheriff’s Office with a suspected animal cruelty case. According to a press release issued this afternoon, deputies were processing an eviction last week when they discovered more than a dozen hound-type dogs in need.

While on scene, deputies contacted local dog control officers Nancy Quell, Holly Harris and Shannon Celeste for assistance. Because Washington County does not have an animal shelter, the DCOs quickly began networking to find placement for the dogs. One of their first calls was to Libby Post, president of the New York State Animal Protection Federation, who suggested they reach out to the SQSPCA, an organization she knows regularly assists beyond its county boundaries.

Quell, DCO for the Town of Hebron—where the dogs were seized—connected with SQSPCA Executive Director Stacie Haynes on Saturday, April 18. Haynes shared that her team could assist early this week. In the meantime, the dogs were held at a boarding facility.