MINDEN, NY (AP) -- State police say three people have been charged with animal cruelty after more than 50 dogs and puppies were seized from a filthy, unheated barn in the Mohawk Valley.
Troopers say Diane and Paul Marriott of Fort Plain, and their son Joseph Marriott of Gloversville, were charged after a complaint was filed. Police say the three previously lived in Minden, 50 miles northwest of Albany, where they had a pit bull-breeding operation. The dogs were seized earlier this month.
The three were arraigned in Minden Town Court and released on bail to reappear in court Feb. 25. Their lawyer, Robert Keach, has told media outlets that the dogs were not mistreated.
Joseph Marriott's "Sickpuppyz pitbull kennels" Facebook page was taken down after the dogs were seized.
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