PATTERSON – Putnam SPCA Chief Ken Ross called it one of the worst cases of animal abuse and neglect he has ever seen.
Ross reported the arrest of 64-year-old Kevin Bergeson of Fair Street, Patterson on Wednesday in connection with the harboring of 34 dogs that were found to be emaciated in addition to showing signs of severe neglect that included urine scalding, skin infections, foul odor, and dirty/infected ears.
Ross said the SPCA began investigating after receiving a complaint about a large number of dogs being kept in unsafe conditions.
“Through the course of the investigation, SPCA officers conducted interviews, gathered evidence, reviewed veterinary findings, coordinated with outside agencies and rescue organizations, and evaluated the welfare of the numerous animals located on the property,” said Ross.
As a result of the investigation, 34 dogs, consisting primarily of Labrador Retrievers and French Bulldogs were identified and evaluated.
Ross alleged that the animals were “maintained in conditions inconsistent with acceptable minimal standards of care, including alleged deficiencies relating to basic nutrition, sanitation, medical attention, housing, and overall animal welfare.”
Bergeson was charged with 34 counts of animal cruelty under New York State Agriculture & Markets Law.
Ross and his staff thanked several veterinarians, veterinary staff, animal rescue organizations, and partner agencies that aided during the investigation as well as the care of the animals including A New Chance Animal Rescue, Putnam Humane Society, Guardian Veterinary Specialists, South Putnam Animal Hospital, Middlebranch Veterinary Clinic, Alternate Mobile Veterinary Service, Millwood Animal Hospital͕, Putnam County Health Department and the Putnam County Adult Protective Services.
Ross said the dogs will eventually be able to be adopted once they are returned to good health. “For those interested in fostering or adopting any of them, please contact A New Chance Animal Rescue at , the agency that took custody of the majority of the dogs or the Putnam Humane Society in Carmel at
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