Two women in western New York, Sheila LaFleur, 63, and Robin Burr, 61, have been charged with animal cruelty following a disturbing discovery by the police. Authorities found four dead cats in a freezer at a residence where more than a dozen malnourished animals were living. The Ontario County Humane Society reported that they rescued a total of 17 animals, including 14 dogs and three cats, from the property in Canandaigua, Ontario County, on December 2, in collaboration with the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office.
LaFleur and Burr, who resided in the deemed “uninhabitable” home, were arrested and later released on bond. The shelter mentioned that the Town of Canandaigua Code Enforcement Officer also labeled the residence as uninhabitable due to severe hoarding conditions. The women are scheduled to appear in court at a later date, as reported by ABC affiliate WHAM.
The sheriff’s office received an animal neglect complaint, citing concerns about unsanitary conditions and lack of medical care for animals at the property. Following a search warrant, authorities rescued 14 dogs and three cats, which were promptly taken to a local veterinarian for urgent medical attention.
The rescued animals, plagued with various health issues such as flea infestation, fur loss, dental problems, and ear infections, are currently receiving continuous medical care at the shelter. Furthermore, necropsies will be conducted at the Cornell Animal Diagnostic Center to determine the cause of death of the four cats.