For Immediate Release:
The Town of Cairo Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the owner or owners of a severely neglected dog discovered in a wooded area of Acra, NY on November 6, 2026.
The dog, a female Maltese mix estimated to be between three and five years old, was found running through the woods near the intersection of Fairview Road and Old Route 23. She was recovered by Cairo Police and subsequently brought to the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA (CGHS/SPCA) by dog control for evaluation and medical care.
Upon arrival at CGHS/SPCA, the dog was found to be suffering from extreme neglect. Her coat was severely matted, with thick, tangled masses of fur covering much of her body, including her face and ears. Beneath the matting, medical personnel discovered numerous sores throughout her body.
The shelter’s medical team immediately began evaluating her condition. A veterinarian assigned her a body condition score of 3 out of 9, indicating that she was underweight. Her condition required a complete shave-down and extensive mat removal to expose and assess the affected skin. Her incoming paperwork listed her coat as “gray,” but the grooming revealed her coat to be white beneath the mats. She received initial vaccinations and other initial treatments as part of her medical care.
Shelter staff have temporarily named the dog “Sunshine.” This is not her known or registered name, but one given to her while authorities work to establish her identity and determine the circumstances that led to her condition.
“The condition in which this dog was found is deeply disturbing,” said Ron Perez, President/CEO of CGHS/SPCA. “No animal should be allowed to deteriorate to this extent. We hope someone in the community can provide information that will help authorities determine what happened to her.”
The Town of Cairo Police Department is actively seeking information regarding Sunshine’s owner or owners. Their identities are currently unknown, and charges may be pursued as the investigation progresses.
Anyone with information concerning the identity of Sunshine’s owner or owners, or the circumstances surrounding her condition, is urged to contact the Town of Cairo Police Department at (518) 622-3120, any day from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Sunshine remains in the care of CGHS/SPCA, where she continues to receive medical attention.
MEDIA CONTACT ONLY:
Ron Perez, President/CEO
Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA
(518) 828-6044, ext. 108
