BATH — Officers with the Village of Bath Police Department initiated an investigation into suspected animal cruelty on Sept. 28 at approximately 12 p.m. after observing a female golden retriever that was known to law enforcement appearing ill at a residence on West Morris Street.
At that time, the dog appeared in need of medical care and the caretakers were made aware that they were required by New York State Agriculture and Market Laws to provide their pet with veterinary care.
On Oct. 3 at approximately 4 p.m., officers conducted a follow-up to check on the dog where it appeared that the dog had suffered a deep laceration to the neck and had not been provided any veterinary care.
The dog was seized under exigent circumstances and turned over to the SPCA for emergency veterinary care.
A seizure order was later applied for and granted through Bath Village Court.
Upon veterinary examination, it was determined that the dog had suffered a severe progressive skin lesion around the neck.
Through investigation, it was determined that this wound was caused by the tying of a tight rope around the dog’s neck to the extent that it caused deep ligature marks.
On Oct. 13, caretakers of the dog, Darla B. Martin, 45, and Daniel J. Gartland, 70, both of Bath, were arrested and charged with failure to provide proper sustenance.
Martin and Gartland were released on appearance tickets, due in Bath Village Court at a later date, as the charges do not qualify for bail.
The dog is recovering under the care of a rescue.
