Last Thursday, Stray Haven Humane Society’s Humane Officer, Cindy Webster, seized this five-year-old black lab from Lisa Wagner, age unknown, of 262 Tappan Rd. in Newark Valley, N.Y. The dog, named Parrot, has a severe tumor on its head, and was living in horrible conditions on a chain. Surgery for Parrot, which was assisted through a massive fundraising effort, will be provided on Friday in Spencer, N.Y. (Provided Photos)
Last Thursday, Stray Haven Humane Society’s Humane Officer, Cindy Webster, seized a five-year-old black lab from the residence of Lisa Wagner, age unknown, of 262 Tappan Rd. in Newark Valley, N.Y. The dog, named Parrot, had a severe tumor on its head and was living in horrible conditions on a chain outdoors when discovered.
Lisa Wagner was charged on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015 with “overdriving, torturing and injuring animals” and “providing inappropriate shelter”, both violations of the Ag and Markets Law (Article 26), and both misdemeanors.
According to the ASPCA, an amendment to section 353 of Article 26, in which the charges fall under, raised the maximum permissible fine in 1985 from $500 to $1,000 for the committed offense.
According to Webster, a court date for Lisa Wagner to answer the charges has been tentatively set for Feb. 22, at 7 p.m., in Newark Valley Court with Justice John D. Shaffer presiding.
Webster stated, “The dog was living outdoors on a runner, and its front feet could barely touch the ground. The dog had a dog house not adequate for his size and could not even get in it, and had no hay or bedding, and no food or water dishes.”
The food, according to Webster, was just thrown on the ground.
Upon learning of Parrot’s plight, Stray Haven Humane Society immediately set up a fund, www.gofundme.com/kr27, that raised close to $3,000 to assist with Parrot’s surgery, which takes place Friday.
The generosity from the community was overwhelming, according to Webster, and checks also arrived in the mail from concerned residents following a story on Parrot that was published in The Daily and Sunday Review as well, and through social media.
In fact, the fund received a $1,000 anonymous donation, as well as a donation from Molly’s Mission, a fund set up by Karen Garrity to assist dogs with disabilities.
Molly’s Mission was started because of one dog lover, one dog, and a severe medical problem. Karen Garrity, owner of Furry Friend Inn in Lockwood, N.Y. took in a dog name Molly as a favor to someone. Molly was an 11-year old mixed breed dog.
Others donated $5, $10, or whatever they could afford, and even simply offered well wishes. The response, Webster reiterated, was overwhelming.
Updates on Parrot’s condition and surgery will be reported as the dog’s hopeful healing progresses.
Those wishing more information should contact Stray Haven located at 194 Shepard Rd. in Waverly, N.Y., or can call (607) 565-2859 for more information.
