MT. MORRIS, NY — A Mt. Morris woman faces felony charges after authorities discovered an emaciated dog during an eviction, according to the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff’s Civil Division and Patrol Deputies responded to a home on Tallman Road in the Town of Mt. Morris for an eviction on Oct. 7 at approximately 10:30 a.m.
Once entry was made into the home, Sheriff’s personnel found an emaciated dog in a kennel that showed obvious signs of starvation.
Sheriff’s Investigator Ross Gerace arrested Shaffiria Dortch, 24, of Mt. Morris, on Oct. 23.
Dortch was charged with felony Aggravated Cruelty to Animals and misdemeanor Failure to Provide Proper Food and Drink to an Impounded Animal.
Dortch was transported and turned over to Central Booking Deputies at the Livingston County Jail for arrest processing and pre-arraignment detention.
Dortch was later arraigned at the Livingston County Centralized Arraignment Part at the Livingston County Jail before Town of Caledonia Justice Mackay.
The judge released Dortch on her own recognizance as the offenses do not qualify for bail under the New York State Bail Reform Act.
The Livingston County Public Defender’s Office represented Dortch at the court arraignment.
The Livingston County District Attorney’s Office represented the People.
