The owners of Daven’s Acres in Sharon were arrested Thursday on animal cruelty and other charges after a two-week investigation.
The Princetown State Police, assisted by veterinarians from the Humane Society, removed 11 dogs they said were in need of sustenance and medical care from the breeding and show kennel, located on Rosenberg Road, after executing a search warrant there on Wednesday, July 29.
Police said the dogs, three adults and eight puppies, were removed on the recommendation of the veterinarian because of health and safety concerns.
Thursday, police charged Douglas Varin, 45, and Alison Hayes, 46, with: Failure to provide proper sustenance/animal cruelty under the Agriculture and Markets Law, unlawful growing of cannabis under the public health law, and endangering the welfare of a child.
State Police said they were notified by the New York State Humane Society of possible animal cruelty at a “puppy mill” on Rosenberg Road in Sharon in July.
Following a two-week investigation, Troopers executed the search warrant on July 29 at the home of Mr. Varin and Ms. Hayes.
Assisted by veterinarians from the society, police said they evaluated 47 dogs and removed 11.
The dogs were taken by the Montgomery County SPCA and housed at their facility in Amsterdam, police said.
Troopers said they also seized four mature marijuana plants and growing equipment from a bedroom in the home. Schoharie County Child Protective Services evaluated the home where an 11-year-old child lived.
Mr. Varin and Ms. Hayes were issued appearance tickets and released, police said.
They are to appear in Sharon town court on August 20 at 1pm.