Two women face charges of animal cruelty after authorities found four deceased cats in a freezer at a residence where more than a dozen malnourished animals were living. Sheila LaFleur, 63, and Robin Burr, 61, were taken into custody and charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty in western New York by the Ontario County Humane Society. The humane society reported rescuing 17 animals, comprising 14 dogs and three cats, from a property in Canandaigua, Ontario County, on December 2, in collaboration with the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office.
LaFleur and Burr, residents of the deemed “uninhabitable” home, were later released on bond as confirmed by the shelter. The shelter mentioned that the Town of Canandaigua Code Enforcement Officer also labeled the residence as uninhabitable due to severe hoarding conditions.
The two women are scheduled to appear in court at a later date, as per ABC affiliate WHAM. The sheriff’s office initiated an investigation following an animal neglect complaint raising concerns about unhygienic conditions and inadequate medical care for the animals at the residence. A search warrant was executed, resulting in the rescue of 14 dogs and three cats, who were promptly taken to a local veterinarian for urgent care.
According to the shelter, some dogs were found confined in metal cages while others roamed freely in the residence. Additionally, three cats were saved, but tragically, four deceased cats were found in the kitchen freezer. The rescued animals are receiving veterinary care at the shelter, where initial assessments revealed issues such as flea infestations, fur loss, dental problems, and ear infections. Ongoing medical treatment is being provided for all the animals.
The shelter also mentioned that necropsies will be conducted at the Cornell Animal Diagnostic Center to ascertain the cause of death of the four cats.