BATH, NY — Police discovered a deceased pit-bull mix inside a crate at a Rumsey Street residence after responding to reports of a decomposition odor on Oct. 4.
Officers with the Village of Bath Police Department were dispatched to the home at approximately 5:40 p.m.
Initial investigation showed multiple indicators that someone may be deceased inside, prompting officers to force entry into the residence.
Upon checking the house, officers determined the odor was the result of a decomposing dog left in a crate with no signs of human inhabitants.
The female pit-bull mix, named Xena, was left locked in the crate with no food or water for a lengthy period, resulting in death by starvation, according to police.
Evidence indicated the dog survived for some time by eating her own excrement.
Police identified the resident and owner as Zachariah D. Hill, 23, of Bath.
Investigation determined Hill had been seen leaving his residence approximately five weeks prior to the 911 call and had not returned during that period.
Hill had been offered numerous resources and assistance in caring for Xena but refused to accept that assistance, police said.
Hill was located and arrested on Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.
He is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, a Class E felony.
Hill was processed and transported to the Steuben County Jail for centralized arraignment processing, where he was released as the charge does not qualify for bail.
