VERONA -- A Verona woman was arrested on animal cruelty charges for leaving two dogs chained outside without food or water.
Deputies say they responded to a report of animal cruelty at a home on Route 365 in Verona. Responding officers saw a white pit bull, named Sapphire, chained to a tree with a choke collar.
Officers say the chain and choke collar were so tight that it ripped into the dog’s neck. There were flies and maggots in the wounds.
Officers used bold cutters to free the dog.
Dog Warden Sue Gardeneer responded and took custody of Sapphire and another dog, a husky named Sunday, from the property. Sapphire was taken to the Village Vet in Wampsville for treatment.
Deputies say both dogs were left outside without food and water.
48-year-old Bridget LcClaire, the owner of both dogs, was arrested for failing to provide proper sustenance. She is expected to appear in Verona Town Court in September.
The case is still under investigation.
