Guilderland, NY (WRGB) — A disturbing case of animal neglect and cruelty unfolded in Guilderland after investigators discovered multiple dead and starving pets left behind in an apartment following an eviction.
On Thursday, August 21, 2025, members of the Albany County Animal Cruelty Task Force — including the Albany County Sheriff’s Office and Mohawk Hudson Humane Society Peace Officers — assisted the Guilderland Police Department in responding to reports of potential animal cruelty at an apartment on Western Avenue.
Authorities say they found one adult cat and three kittens dead, their bodies decomposing in a crate covered with a blanket, believed to have been left there for several weeks. They also found two adult cats and two small dogs alive inside the apartment, but all were severely neglected and lacked adequate food and water.
One of the surviving cats was taken to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society for medical care, while the two dogs and another cat were turned over to a family member who had reported the incident and was not involved in the abuse.
Following the investigation, authorities arrested 27-year-old Marleak Cain and 41-year-old Elizabeth Poore, who had been evicted from the property on August 20, 2025. Police say the pair knowingly left the animals behind, including the dead ones, despite being aware of their condition.
On Friday, August 22, Cain and Poore were located in Albany and arrested by a joint task force involving the Albany County Sheriff’s Office, Guilderland Police, and Humane Society officers.
Both suspects have been charged with:
4 counts of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals
8 counts of Torturing or Injuring Animals / Failure to Provide Sustenance
8 counts of Abandonment of Animals
Elizabeth Poore was also turned over to the New York State Police for active bench warrants.
Cain and Poore were issued appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear in Guilderland Town Court on September 4, 2025.
