Empire State Review Team 
Investigation Launched After Dog Found Abandoned in Rockland County
Location: Rockland County, New York
Incident Overview
A distressing case of animal cruelty has emerged in Harriman State Park, Rockland County, where a Tibetan mastiff was discovered tied to a tree on February 26. Officials report that the female dog, estimated to be between four and six years old, exhibited severe health problems, including a large tumor that had metastasized, necessitating her euthanasia for humane reasons.
Reward and Investigation
The Hudson Valley Humane Society is currently offering a reward of $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the individual or individuals responsible for this act of abandonment. AnnMarie Gaudio, the Director of the Hudson Valley Humane Society and a Humane Law Enforcement Officer, is actively conducting the investigation.
The Condition of the Dog
Witnesses reported seeing the abandoned dog from late night until morning, but she was only rescued later. Upon examination, veterinarians found that a tumor on the dog’s mammary gland had spread, resulting in a determination that euthanasia was the most compassionate option. It is important to note that the Hudson Valley Humane Society was not involved in this decision, as they did not have the opportunity to assess the animal.
Call for Community Support
According to Gaudio, cases of animal cruelty are alarmingly common, with dozens reported each month. She is urging the Rockland County District Attorney to create a dedicated task force aimed at prosecuting animal cruelty and advocating for stricter penalties. “The message we would like to get out to the community is, if you need to divest yourself of your animal, whatever kind of animal it is, you don’t need to resort to that,” Gaudio stated, emphasizing the need for compassionate alternatives.
How to Help
Authorities are appealing to anyone with information regarding the abandoned mastiff to reach out to the Hudson Valley Humane Society at 917-701-3870. The reward for tips that lead to an arrest remains active, and community assistance is vital to bringing the perpetrator to justice.
