Williamstown, NY – Two Oswego County residents were arrested after dogs, cats and other animals were found dead and decomposing in an apartment, according to state police.
Jason N. McGriff, 47, and Melissa A. McGriff, 42, both of Altmar, were arrested Dec. 12, state police said in a news release Tuesday.
Troopers first responded to an animal welfare complaint at an apartment at 45 Kasoag Lake Road in Williamstown on Sept. 1, according to Trooper Jennifer Jiron, state police spokeswoman. The landlord raised concerns about the condition of the apartment when the tenants were moving out, she said.
Initial attempts by state police to contact the tenants were unsuccessful, she said.
After proper notification, the landlord entered the apartment and discovered dead animals inside, prompting a subsequent investigation.
Troopers later made contact with the tenants, identified as Jason and Melissa McGriff, who told investigators they were staying at a different location and denied any animals were present at the residence.
Investigators later learned that several dead animals were found in the apartment, including cats, dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs that had previously been in their care, Jiron said.
Jason and Melissa McGriff were charged with seven counts of torturing or injuring animals or failure to provide sustenance, a misdemeanor, as well as seven counts of animal abandonment, also a misdemeanor.
At this time, state police said it is unknown what the heat or temperature conditions were inside the apartment. Officers were unable to gain entry during the initial response, and the investigation was based on photos and video provided by the landlord after they entered the apartment on September 2.
Due to various states of decomposition, state police said they were unable to determine the exact number of animals that were inside the residence.
The pair were issued appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear in Oswego County District Court on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
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