Two Arrested in Malta for Animal Abuse

Two people have been arrested in Malta for animal abuse after Saratoga County Sherriffs said they kept three dogs in unsafe conditions. 

Tosha Jerome and Christopher Terry of Malta were both arrested on three counts each of failure to provide proper sustenance. 

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office said they became aware of the issue after receiving an animal complaint on the morning of Aug. 21. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Jerome and Terry kept three Cane Corso dogs in “unsafe and unsanitary conditions.” The three dogs were seized by the Sheriff’s Office under court order and are currently in the care of the Saratoga County Animal Shelter. 

The arrest of Jerome and Terry marks at least the fifth incident of animal abuse in Saratoga County this year. These incidents have resulted in eight arrests, 201 counts of misdemeanor animal abuse and two felony charges. 

The incident has triggered action from county legislators who proposed a bill to create a county registry of animal abusers. Under the proposed legislation, those convicted of one of 17 animal related offenses would have to register as an animal abuser with the District Attorney’s Office. The convicted party would remain on the registry for 15 years after their first offense and permanently for any subsequent offenses. 

Saratoga County wouldn’t be  the first county to implement an animal abuse registry. 20 counties —including Albany and Rensselaer — plus New York City all maintain registries of animal abusers. 

On the state level, there is currently a bill introduced that would create a state registry of animal abusers. The bill is sponsored by Senators Pete Harckham (D, WF- 40) of South Salem and Anthony Palumbo (R- 1) of New Suffolk and was referred to committee in May. 

In addition, Sen. James Tedisco — who represents Saratoga County — also proposed several bills in January which would strengthen New York’s animal abuse law known as “Buster’s Law.” All of those bills have been referred to committee with no action taken since January.

As for Saratoga County, the legislation was introduced at the last Board of Supervisors meeting, and a public hearing has been set for Sept. 10.