Two Incidents of Animal Abuse in Malta as County Sees 7th Case this Year

Two Separate incidents in Malta have brought the total number of animal abuse incidents up to seven. 

Eugene Willis, 69, of Malta was arrested by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office on Aug. 28 after deputies received a complaint of animal abuse that morning. Willis wasn’t the only one arrested recently as on Sept. 2, the Sheriff’s Office arrested Ashley Ross for animal abuse and falsifying business records. 

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Willis allegedly kicked a black lab causing bruising and digestive issues. The dog and a brown lab found at the residence were seized by the Malta animal control officer. They were transported to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter and received medical treatment. 

Ross’s case, meanwhile, stems from an incident that occurred Aug. 16 when she surrendered a pit bull to the Malta animal control officer. At the time of the surrender, Ross claimed the dog hadn’t bit anyone in the last 10 days, however the Sheriff’s Office said that the dog had bitten someone the previous day. In addition, the dog had bitten another pit bull at the residence causing an injury for which Ross failed to get treated. That dog has been transported to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter and is receiving treatment. 

Both Willis and Ross were released on appearance tickets for their respective offenses. 

Willis and Ross’ cases represent the sixth and seventh cases of animal abuse this year in Saratoga County. Last month, two people were arrested in Malta for abusing three dogs while there have been several high-profile cases across the county. Their charges bring the total 203rd misdemeanor count brought against residents by Sheriff’s Office. 

In response to these incidents, The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors proposed legislation to create a registry of animal abusers and held a public hearing on the bill Sept. 10 — coverage of which can be found at saratogatodaynewspaper.com.