Woman arrested on animal cruelty charge in Worcester

WORCESTER, NY — A 54-year-old woman was arrested Friday on charges of animal cruelty following the death of a Great Dane at her residence.

Shelley B. Wilkerson, of Worcester, was charged with overdriving, torturing and injuring animals and failure to provide proper sustenance, according to the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to a report of an elderly Great Dane that was dying or deceased at Wilkerson’s residence on April 10.

Upon arrival, deputies located the Great Dane outside at the base of the stairs leading to the residence.

An investigation revealed that Wilkerson failed to provide proper veterinary care to the Great Dane, which resulted in the animal’s death, according to the sheriff’s office.

Wilkerson was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Town of Worcester Court at a later date.