A 64-year-old Patterson man is facing a mountain of animal cruelty charges after Putnam County SPCA officers say they found 34 dogs living in appalling conditions inside a Fair Street home. Investigators reported the dogs were emaciated, in obvious distress and in dire need of veterinary care, and the man now faces dozens of felony counts tied to the alleged neglect.
According to a Putnam County SPCA press release reported by News 12 New York, veterinary examinations showed most of the roughly 34 dogs were "severely emaciated" and suffering from urine scalding, skin infections, foul odor and dirty or infected ears. The case started with a complaint about how many dogs were on the property and what kind of shape they were in, which led officers to the Fair Street address.
Putnam SPCA Chief Ken Ross called what his team found "one of the worst cases of animal abuse and neglect he has ever seen," Mid-Hudson News reported. The outlet identified the arrested man as 64-year-old Kevin Bergeson of Fair Street in Patterson and noted that the dogs were primarily Labrador retrievers along with several French bulldogs. Mid-Hudson also reported that a long list of veterinarians and rescue partners stepped up to assist with exams, treatment and placement.
Investigation and response
During the investigation, SPCA officers interviewed witnesses, collected evidence and reviewed detailed veterinary reports while working with other agencies and rescue groups, News 12 New York reported. Veterinary teams determined several of the animals needed immediate medical attention. A New Chance Animal Rescue then moved in to take custody of most of the dogs so they could begin rehabilitation in foster homes and at partner facilities.
Where the dogs are now
A New Chance Animal Rescue is currently caring for the majority of the seized dogs. According to the SPCA, the animals will only be cleared for adoption once they have recovered and are medically stable. Until then, the focus is on getting weight back on the underfed dogs, treating infections and easing them into safer, calmer environments.
Charges and next steps
Bergeson was charged with 34 counts of animal cruelty under New York's Agriculture and Markets Law, Mid-Hudson News reported. Authorities did not immediately release details about his initial court appearance or any bail that may have been set.
Local animal-welfare volunteers and veterinarians say their immediate priority is stabilizing the dogs, then lining up enough temporary foster homes to handle such a large group at once. For information on current needs, fostering or donating, residents can visit A New Chance Animal Rescue or the Putnam Humane Society.
