By Mid-Hudson News Network

TOWN OF WALLKILL, N.Y. – Police Monday arrested a Town of Wallkill woman on two counts of animal cruelty and took possession of 76 Rottweiler dogs.

Many of the animals, ranging in age from puppies to 12 years old, were in serious condition. Two of the dogs were confiscated in March and one had a leg amputated because of its poor health. Sylvia Panetta, 64, was just charged in connection with the two dogs initially confiscated.

Volunteers from several dog rescue groups assisted police Monday with caring for the dogs, which remain at the 237 Derby Road location. They were fed bread with insect-infested water.

Wallkill Police Chief Robert Hertman said some of the dogs were very vicious.

Wallkill Town Supervisor Daniel Depew said Panetta had no license to operate a kennel.

“To have 76 Rottweilers, which can be great dogs – Rottweilers can be absolutely be the most loveable, trustworthy, great dogs you can have, but to have 76 of them in this condition in an area that is under stress, is not safe for the public,” Depew said.

One of the animal rescue volunteers, Kelly Ambrose of Mountain Roddy Rescue, said one person could not care for so many dogs. Jamie Gaebel said the pens are collapsing with nails sticking out of boards.

The women said they are need of a lot of foster homes for the animals, which are being treated by three veterinarians.

Hertman said Panetta will probably face additional charges including for code violations on her house.

• 1
• 2

• 1
• 2
• 3

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• See Full Story

• Return to Paging Mode