SP Add Two More to List of Animal Abusers In Upstate New York

In February, police rescued two dozen dogs, cats, and even a turtle from a deplorable animal abuse home in Upstate New York, and on Tuesday, two arrests were made.

There's nothing more heartbreaking than reading or hearing about a situation where innocent animals are neglected, abandoned, or worse, tortured.

Unfortunately, it's all too common in New York State, but on the flip side, it's important to call these people out so they may never own a pet again.

One of the abused doggies who was removed from a home in Upstate New York last month. Photo: NYSP

State Police Search Home in Upstate New York

On February 27th, the New York State Police canvassed multiple properties on State Highway 80 in the Town of Springfield (about an hour west of Albany) for a possible case of animal neglect. They found there were over two dozen animals in need of immediate medical attention.

Photo: Google Maps

At the time, the State Police said they turned the animals over to Susquehanna SPCA, an animal shelter in Otsego County, New York.

Two Arrested This Week

After a month-long investigation, State Police made two arrests this week: Brian J. Fleming, age 64, and Theresa E. Fleming, age 61, both of Springfield, NY, were arrested at SP Richfield Springs.

Each, according to the NYSP, has been charged with:

11 counts of the Agriculture and Markets Law of Torturing or Injuring Animals/Failure to Provide Sustenance
2 counts of the Agriculture and Markets Law of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (class “E” felony)
They are scheduled to appear in the Springfield Town Court on April 3, 2025.

This poor guy was so mangled that he's barely recognizable. Thankfully, the abused animals are being well-cared for. Photo: NYSP

What To Do If You Witness Animal Cruelty

If you witness animal cruelty or believe an animal is in danger, report the matter immediately to local law enforcement and your local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or other humane enforcement agencies.

Over a decade ago, the Albany County Animal Abuser Registry was created by an act of the Albany County Legislature known as Local Law K. The registry, hosted by the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, is a service to the public.

The following people seen on this list have been convicted of animal cruelty. While it's unclear exactly what they're guilty of, one thing is clear: They are not allowed to own, possess, reside in, have custody of, or intentionally engage in physical contact with any animal.

Period.

List of Registered Animal Abusers in Upstate New York

Here is a list of people in Upstate NY charged with animal cruelty, according to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society and the Albany County Sherrif's Department

Gallery Credit: Brian Cody TSM Albany

11 of New York's Most Wanted Criminals with Upstate Connections

Below are individuals with ties to the Capital Region and Upstate New York. They have been designated as some of New York's Most Wanted Fugitives and should be considered ARMED and DANGEROUS.