ARGYLE, NY (WRGB) — The owners of Anastasia’s Acres Dog Boarding have been arrested following the deaths of 21 dogs at their facility. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported that the investigation revealed the owners failed to provide adequate water and ventilation, leading to the tragic incident.
Robert Palulis and Anastasia Palulis face 22 counts of overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals, as well as failure to provide proper sustenance. Despite the charges, many questions remain unanswered, according to Schenectady SPCA Chief Greg Rinckey. “A lot of questions to be answered as to what happened here,” Rinckey said. “You know, did the ventilation system or did the AC go out? Why weren’t the animals being provided water is a bigger question?”
Leah and Robert Brown, owners of one of the deceased dogs named Rex, expressed their devastation. “I trusted them,” Leah Brown said. Robert Brown added, “I lost my best friend. My buddy.”
Leah Brown described the situation as a “felony,” saying, “You took our babies from us. That’s what you did. Somebody that our baby, who was only eight months old. That was our life right there.” The Browns had dropped Rex off on Saturday, expecting to pick him up on Monday, but were left heartbroken.
Rinckey explained that while families might seek restitution, New York law typically considers dogs as chattel, meaning owners might only receive the monetary value of the dog. “Which to a dog owner, you know, they don’t want, you know, a thousand dollars to buy a new dog. They’ve lost their animal, right?” Rinckey said.
Both Robert and Anastasia Palulis were released on appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear in Argyle Town Court at a later date.
