Two residents of the Town of Junius, Lester Vangelder, 83, and Melody A. Vangelder, 72, have been charged with animal cruelty after deputies found multiple dogs tethered outside in extreme heat without access to water or shelter.
According to the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a complaint on June 23 at 1607 Strang Road. Investigators discovered the dogs living in unsanitary and unsafe conditions, tethered to trees with no supervision, exposing them to serious harm.
The dogs were seized with assistance from Beverly’s Animal Shelter and are now receiving medical care and proper treatment.
Both Lester and Melody Vangelder were charged with three counts each under Agriculture and Markets Law Section 353 for failing to provide proper sustenance, and three counts under Section 353-b for failure to provide shelter to dogs left outdoors. They were processed at the Seneca County Correctional Facility and later released on appearance tickets.
The Vangelder couple is scheduled to appear in Town of Junius Court to answer the charges.
