BIG FLATS, NY — Three people were arrested on animal cruelty charges following an investigation into alleged abuse on Antler Road.
Tracey R. Itjen, 30, of Elmira, and Douglas J. Itjen, 69, and Darlene Itjen, 67, both of Big Flats, were arrested Wednesday by the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began in October after the Sheriff’s Office received a tip from the Chemung County Probation Department about possible animal abuse.
Deputies learned that Tracey R. Itjen allegedly force fed a small dog several coins and thumbtacks over a period of time from June to October.
Tracey R. Itjen was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, a felony.
She is being held at the Chemung County Jail for violation of probation and was issued an appearance ticket to appear in Big Flats Town Court at a later date.
Douglas J. Itjen and Darlene Itjen were each charged with overdriving, torturing and injuring animals and failure to provide proper sustenance, a Class A misdemeanor.
Both were issued appearance tickets to appear in Big Flats Town Court at a later date.
Three dogs were removed from the Big Flats residence by Southern Tier Animal Control at the insistence of the Chemung County District Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Office.
