ELMIRA, N.Y. — Three people were arrested on animal abuse charges after authorities discovered a small dog had been forced to eat coins and thumbtacks over several months.
In October, the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office received a tip about possible abuse at a residence on Antler Road in the Town of Big Flats. During the investigation, deputies found that Tracey R. Itjen, 30, had been forcing the dog to ingest coins and thumbtacks from June through October 2025.
Tracey Itjen was arrested for aggravated cruelty to animals and is currently held at the Chemung County Jail for a Violation of Probation, with a future appearance scheduled in Big Flats Town Court.
Two other family members, Douglas J. Itjen, 69, and Darlene Itjen, 67, were also charged with overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals, and failure to provide proper sustenance. Both were issued appearance tickets for a later court date.
Southern Tier Animal Control removed three dogs from the home to ensure their safety.
