Albany Duo Arrested After Puppies and Mama Dog Found Abandoned

Updated Story: Arrests Made in Upstate NY Animal Abandonment Case

Authorities have charged two Albany residents in connection with an animal abandonment case that sparked outrage earlier this week in Menands.

On September 30th, around 6:30 a.m., police responded to 85 Broadway after reports of abandoned animals. When officers arrived, they discovered six puppies left inside a cardboard box and one adult female dog tied to a bench without food, water, or shelter.

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Justice for Mama and Her Six Pups

We shared photos of the mama dog after her rescue, looking heartbreakingly sad and worn down, and that sight struck a chord with animal lovers across the Capital Region.

The Menands Police, along with the Town of Colonie Animal Control unit, quickly responded to the scene, transporting the dogs for evaluation and treatment. Fortunately, officials report that all the animals are currently in good health and recovering.

After an investigation with help from the Capital Region Crime Analysis Center, police identified two suspects: 34-year-old Jonathan Lugo and 46-year-old Silva Freeland, both of Albany.

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The Charges

• 8 counts of Torturing or Injuring Animals
• 7 counts of Abandonment of an Animal
• 1 count of Conspiracy

Lugo and Freeland are scheduled to be arraigned in Town of Colonie Criminal Court on October 8th, according to the report.

For many who have followed the story, it’s satisfying to know that the “monsters” responsible for abandoning the dogs have been caught and are now facing justice.