PAINTED POST, NY — New York State Police arrested a Bath woman July 6, 2026, following an investigation into the neglect of two cats that were left inside a residence in the village of Painted Post.
Troopers responded to 109 Willow Circle at approximately 5:36 p.m. after receiving a report that two cats had been abandoned inside a residence following the tenant’s eviction several months earlier.
Upon entering the residence with the property manager, troopers located two cats hiding beneath a bed.
The residence was found in unsanitary condition with animal feces throughout the home, no visible source of water, and excessive heat inside due to the lack of electrical service or air conditioning.
One of the cats was observed panting heavily and drooling, consistent with heat-related distress.
The cats were safely removed from the residence and transported to the Finger Lakes SPCA in Bath, where they were surrendered into the care of shelter staff for evaluation and treatment.
The investigation determined that Ashley A. Wright, 41, of Bath, owned the cats and had left them inside the residence after being evicted.
Wright was charged with two counts of Agriculture and Markets Law § 353 – Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance, a misdemeanor.
She was processed at SP Painted Post and issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Campbell Town Court on Aug. 10, 2026.
