Rescued and Recovering: 5 Dogs Find Safety After Neglect in Herkimer County
HERKIMER COUNTY, NY — Five dogs are now in the care of the Herkimer County Humane Society after authorities found them living in neglected conditions inside a barn. The rescue followed a tip from a concerned citizen, and now the Humane Society is working to nurse the animals back to health.
Dogs Found Without Food, Water, or Clean Shelter
The Herkimer County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a possible animal neglect situation earlier this month. Deputies responded to a rural property and found five dogs confined inside a barn. According to officials, the dogs were living in unsafe conditions—without adequate food, fresh water, or proper shelter.
The barn had poor ventilation and was covered in animal waste. The dogs appeared malnourished, dirty, and frightened. A sixth dog on the property had already passed away before rescuers arrived.
The Sheriff’s Office has not yet released the name of the person responsible, but they confirmed an investigation is ongoing and criminal charges are expected. Animal cruelty and neglect are misdemeanors under New York law, but in cases where an animal dies or suffers serious harm, felony charges may apply.
Herkimer County Humane Society Steps In
After deputies removed the animals from the barn, the Herkimer County Humane Society took custody of the dogs. Staff members immediately began giving the dogs the care they desperately needed—clean water, nutritious food, and medical evaluations.
“These dogs came from a terrible situation,” said shelter director Christine Taylor in a statement. “We’re giving them everything they need to feel safe and start healing, both physically and emotionally.”
The Humane Society shared that while all five dogs are stable, some require ongoing treatment for skin infections, parasites, and dental issues caused by poor nutrition.
Adoptions Not Yet Available
Although many community members have reached out wanting to adopt, the dogs are not yet available. Shelter staff say the dogs need more time to recover. Once they’re healthy and socialized, they’ll be placed up for adoption through the shelter’s regular process.
Taylor also urged residents to continue reporting suspected abuse or neglect.
“If you see something that doesn’t look right, don’t ignore it. Making that one call can save lives,” she said.
A Broader Problem in Rural Communities
Animal neglect is an ongoing challenge in rural counties like Herkimer, where enforcement resources are often stretched thin. According to the ASPCA, rural regions across the U.S. face higher rates of neglect-related calls due to poverty, lack of access to veterinary care, and animals being kept as property rather than companions.
In 2023 alone, New York State saw over 5,000 reports of animal cruelty, with hundreds leading to seizures of animals from unsafe environments.
Local advocates say education is key. The Herkimer County Humane Society continues to run low-cost vaccination and spay/neuter clinics to prevent overbreeding and improve pet health across the region.
How You Can Help
The shelter is accepting donations to help cover veterinary care, food, and supplies for the five rescued dogs. Community members can donate online at herkimerhumanesociety.org or drop off supplies like dog food, blankets, and cleaning products at the shelter.
If you’re interested in volunteering or fostering, visit the website or call (315) 866-3255.
