For Immediate Release
The Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA (CGHS/SPCA) is applauding the conviction of Andrea Nussinow on three counts of animal cruelty involving horses, calling the verdict an important step toward protecting animals from future suffering and preventing future acts of neglect.
According to the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office, Nussinow was found guilty on June 25 following a three-day bench trial before Columbia County Court Judge John Connor, Jr. The convictions stem from the neglect of horses recovered from her Clermont property in July 2024. Sentencing is scheduled for August 25, 2026.
The CGHS/SPCA commends Judge John Connor, Jr. for carefully weighing the evidence presented and delivering a verdict that recognizes the suffering endured by these animals.
“For well over fifteen years, Ms. Nussinow has repeatedly been the subject of animal cruelty allegations and arrests involving horses,” said Ron Perez, President and Chief Executive Officer and Cruelty Investigator for the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA. “Judge Connor’s decision represents justice not only for the horses involved in this case, but also for the countless horses that may be spared from future pain and suffering because of this conviction. We are grateful that the Court recognized the seriousness of these crimes.”
The CGHS/SPCA also commended the New York State Police, the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office, and the organizations and individuals whose efforts brought the case to a successful prosecution.
“While this conviction is significant, sentencing remains an important part of the process,” Perez said. “We hope the sentence imposed reflects the tremendous pain and suffering these horses experienced and serves as a meaningful deterrent to anyone who would neglect or abuse an animal. Animal cruelty is not a mistake. It is a choice, and there must be meaningful consequences for those who inflict suffering on defenseless animals.”
The Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA remains committed to working alongside law enforcement and prosecutors to investigate allegations of animal cruelty and ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law.