BATH, N.Y. —
Two Bath residents have been charged after police say a female golden retriever was found suffering from a severe neck injury and left without medical care.
According to the Village of Bath Police Department, 45-year-old Darla B. Martin and 70-year-old Daniel J. Gartland were arrested on October 13 and charged with failure to provide proper sustenance under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law.
Officers first saw the dog on September 28 at a home on West Morris Street and advised the caretakers to seek veterinary treatment after noticing signs of illness.
When officers returned on October 3, they discovered the dog with a deep neck wound that still had not been treated. The animal was seized under emergency conditions and turned over to the Finger Lakes SPCA for care.
Veterinarians later determined the injury was caused by a rope tightly tied around the dog’s neck, leaving severe ligature marks.
Both Martin and Gartland were issued appearance tickets and released, as the charges are not bail-eligible under current state law. They are expected to appear in Bath Village Court at a later date.
Police said the golden retriever is now recovering under the care of a local rescue organization. Authorities thanked the Finger Lakes SPCA and the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with the case.
