Three people accused of mistreating the tiny dachshund Lily pleaded not guilty in Carlisle Town Court last Wednesday.
The three––Joseph Cooper, 22; Tasha Cooper, 18; and Gene Cooper, 48––had been charged with one count each of Section 353 of the state Ag and Markets law, for torturing, injuring and not feeding an animal.
Lily, a miniature dachshund, was found inside a secured box alongside Saddlemire Hill Road in Carlisle. David Gregory of Sloansville found the box, and Lily eventually made her way to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley.
State Police determined that Lily was severely dehydrated and had been deprived of food and water. She was also missing most of her teeth and part of her lower jaw.
Mike and Cyndi West adopted Lily, and a Times-Journal story about Lily, her condition and her rescue brought leads that eventually led troopers to the Coopers.
State Police also charged a fourth person, Carol Palmer of Schoharie, with Section 353 of the Ag and Markets law. She is due in Carlisle Town Court this morning, Wednesday.
The Coopers were all assigned counsel, and they will return to court on May 12.
Meanwhile, Lily continues to gain strength in the Wests’ care. Her health improving, she’s gained several pounds.
“Lily will be forever loved, pampered, cared for, cherished and fed until she is again fat and sassy,” the Wests write in a letter to the editor in this week’s T-J.