FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA Assists in Seizure of 99 Animals in Athens, NY
The Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA (CGHS/SPCA) assisted the Greene County Sheriff’s Office in the seizure of 99 animals from a property on Lime Kiln Road, an isolated dead-end road in the Town of Athens. Among the animals removed were 18 Belgian Malinois dogs, two cats, and numerous farm animals, including cows, goats, chickens, ducks, and geese.
CGHS/SPCA extends its gratitude to the agencies and individuals who made this rescue operation possible. Special thanks are owed to the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, particularly Sheriff Peter Kusminsky, Undersheriff Tracey Quinn, and Investigator Charlie Cole. CGHS/SPCA also thanks the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society for their assistance, the New York Humane Association for their legal guidance, and the dedicated staff and investigators at the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA. All parties worked together diligently to gather evidence, document details, and—most importantly—bring the seized animals into safe surroundings amid deplorable conditions on an exceptionally frigid day.
The property owner, George Chrisomalis, has been charged under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law Article 26, Section 353: Cruelty to Animals. Chrisomalis will answer to the Town of Athens Court at a later date. Further charges may be pending.
CGHS/SPCA will soon begin searching for appropriate foster homes for the seized Belgian Malinois dogs. Households interested in fostering are encouraged to contact CGHS/SPCA Vice President/Investigator Jessica Farkas at (518) 828-6044 ext. 100 or jessica@cghs.org.
