Recent Arrests for Animal Cruelty in Greater Rochester Region

Fairport, N.Y. – Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, has announced animal cruelty charges against six individuals following separate investigations conducted by its Humane Law Enforcement team across the Greater Rochester region. The cases involve allegations of severe neglect, prolonged suffering, and the deaths of multiple animals, underscoring the critical role of animal cruelty investigations in safeguarding vulnerable animals and holding offenders accountable.

Michelle Ayala, of 12 Clifton Street in Rochester, N.Y., has been charged with Torturing and Injuring Animals, a misdemeanor under Section 353 of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law. The charge stems from an investigation in which humane investigators seized a dog suffering from significant injuries to both its front and rear legs, as well as severe matting and other signs of neglect. A veterinary examination revealed extensive tissue and bone loss in the dog's legs caused by a biological tourniquet, injuries that investigators allege were left untreated for a prolonged period.

Shantee Denise Rucks and Rafael Boston-Poppa, of 175 Fulton Avenue in Rochester, N.Y., have each been charged with two counts of Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance, misdemeanors under Section 353 of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law. Humane investigators discovered two severely emaciated puppies and one deceased puppy at the residence. Following their seizure, the surviving puppies were transported for emergency veterinary care, where a second puppy later succumbed to its condition. Additional charges remain pending the results of a necropsy.

Christine Klein, Michael Klein, and Kaylee Klein, of 12799 Platten Road in Waterport, N.Y., have each been charged with Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance, misdemeanors under Section 353 of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law. The charges follow an investigation initiated after humane investigators received a report of a downed horse on the property. Upon arrival, investigators located a deceased horse in a stall and observed evidence consistent with severe emaciation. After obtaining a search warrant, investigators transported the animal to Cornell University for a necropsy, which determined the horse died as a result of starvation and neglect.

“These cases represent some of the most serious forms of neglect our investigators encounter, including situations where animals endured prolonged suffering that could and should have been prevented,” said Reno DiDomenico, Vice President of Humane Law Enforcement at Lollypop Farm. “Every animal deserves adequate food, water, shelter, veterinary care, and humane treatment. When those basic needs are denied, our Humane Law Enforcement team will conduct thorough investigations and work closely with prosecutors to pursue accountability. We remain committed to protecting animals and advocating for their welfare."

Through May, Lollypop Farm’s humane law enforcement team remains at the front lines of animal welfare. In total, humane investigators have received 1,488 calls to the animal cruelty hotline, seized more than 225 animals from unsafe conditions, and responded to nearly 1,200 calls for service, underscoring the importance of their work to protect animals.

Lollypop Farm remains dedicated to protecting animals throughout the region and urges community members to report suspected cases of animal cruelty or neglect by calling the Humane Law Enforcement line at (585) 223-6500.

To discover how Lollypop Farm is impacting the Greater Rochester region through life- saving animal care, essential services, advocacy efforts, and impactful educational programming, or to learn how you can get involved, visit www.lollypop.org.