Officials are reporting a significant rise in animal abuse and cruelty cases in parts of Upstate New York.

Over the last few weeks, law enforcement agencies in parts of Upstate New York have been dealing with a large jump in the number of reported animal abuse cases. Recently, law enforcement in Washington County, NY, reported the discovery of 21 deceased dogs at a boarding facility in Argyle, NY.

Last month, we told you about the two women from Saratoga County, NY, who were arrested and charged with 37 counts of animal cruelty after it was discovered that they had various animals, including dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, and more, living in awful conditions in Wilton, NY.

Animal Abuse on the Rise in New York

CanvaAnimal Abuse on the Rise in Saratoga County, NY

Earlier this month, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) announced another arrest after receiving an animal complaint call on September 2, 2025, involving a 38-year-old woman and a Pit Bull dog she recently surrendered.

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The SCSO reported the arrest of 38-year-old Ashley S. Ross, of Malta, NY, this week after an investigation into a complaint found that Ross falsified business records to “defraud, in the business records of the Malta animal control officer”. Police said that on August 16th, 2025, Ross voluntarily surrendered a female Pit Bull, and in the process, she claimed the animal had not bitten anyone in the previous 10 days.

Through its investigation, officers discovered that the pit bull had bitten a male at her residence on August 15, 2025, the day before she surrendered it. Police also found that another dog owned by Ross was also bitten by the female pit bull, causing pain and injury to its ear. Police allege that Ross failed to seek appropriate medical care for the dog after it was bitten. The injured dog was seized under a court order and is now under the care of the Saratoga County Animal Shelter.

Ashley S. Ross Arrested

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Via FacebookUpstate New York Woman Charged

Ross was charged with first-degree falsifying business records, a felony, and overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals, a class A misdemeanor. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due back in Malta Town Court at a later date.

New York Senator Jim Tedisco addressed the “animal abuse crisis” in the area on Facebook, stating,

“What we have right now is the Wild West in terms of oversight of these facilities that we trust to watch our beloved pets, which are part of our families. I’m currently drafting new legislation for a Safe Pet Boarding Act to bring some order and common sense to this arena and give people the peace of mind that their furry friends are being cared for appropriately when they are away.”

 

When the new legislation is complete, we will update this article.

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