Lollypop Farm steps up fight against animal cruelty
Fairport, NY — Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, has strengthened its Humane Law Enforcement program to combat animal cruelty in our community.
“We’ve added two new investigators to our department over the last year. Our five officers now operate in two shifts helping us to extend our hours,” explains Reno DiDomenico Director of Law Enforcement at Lollypop Farm. “It’s making a big impact, empowering us to be more proactive in our investigations of animal cruelty. In fact, our officers have made three arrests in the last two weeks alone.”
These recent arrests include:
- Chaplen Brown (DOB: 08/16/52) of Rochester, NY, was arrested after a neighbor reported Brown had abandoned his one-year old Boxer mix after tying the dog in the rear yard of a vacant house. The misdemeanor charge of abandonment of an animal could lead to a sentence of up to one year in jail and/or up to $1,000 in fines.
- Darryl T. Rountree (DOB: 12/16/75) of Greece, NY, faces charges after he left his dog for two days in a detached garage without food or water following the recent winter storm. Charged with the misdemeanor offense of failure to provide proper sustenance, Rountree could receive a sentence of up to one year in jail and/or up to $1,000 in fines.
- Yasenia Reed (DOB: 12/09/86) of Greece, NY, was arrested after surrendering an adult male Shih Tzu, who was severely matted and in need of medical attention, to Lollypop Farm and claiming it was a stray. After a thorough investigation by Lollypop Farm’s Humane Law Enforcement department, it was discovered that Reed was indeed the owner of the dog. Reed has been charged with failure to provide proper sustenance, a misdemeanor offense that can lead to up to a year in jail and/or up to $1,000 in fines.
Serving Monroe, Orleans, and Genesee counties, Lollypop Farm plays a critical role in addressing animal cruelty in the community. Lollypop Farm maintains an SPCA designation and is charged with investigating and enforcing the animal cruelty laws of New York State. These humane law enforcement officers are certified New York State peace officers with the authority to make arrests and remove animals being abused.
To report a case of suspected animal cruelty, call the Lollypop Farm Animal Cruelty Hotline at (585) 223-6500.
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About Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester
Established in 1873, Lollypop Farm is the largest animal welfare organization helping pets and people in the Greater Rochester area. The Humane Society is committed to building lifelong bonds between people and animals through education, community outreach, and the prevention of cruelty. With a main campus located on 136 picturesque acres in Fairport and four other adoption centers throughout the community, the organization provides shelter, care, and adoption for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, horses, and other farm animals. Lollypop Farm is an independent nonprofit organization supported solely through contributions, grants, investments, proceeds from retail sales, and fees for programs and services. For more information and to meet current animals available for adoption, please visit www.lollypop.org.