Milford woman arrested for animal cruelty

MILFORD, NY (WBNG) -- The Otsego County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Milford Woman for animal cruelty, with three of the animals found dead.

The sheriff’s office was conducting a welfare check on County Highway 35 when they came across the malnourished animals.

Whitney Bachanas, 40, was arrested and charged with abandonment of animals and failure to provide proper sustenance, according to the sheriff’s office.

Two emaciated dogs in critical condition were transported to Cornell University.

The Susquehanna SPCA told 12 News the two dogs were close to death when they found them.

“When animals are emaciated, they have to go on a re-feeding plan. You can’t just give them a bucket of food and then they’re better,” said Executive Director of the Susquehanna SPCA Stacie Haynes. “So, it takes time, but we are seeing tail wags. They love people and they love attention so we’re very grateful.”

A third dog was found dead, along with a turkey and a quail.

Two other quails were also found and rescued for foster and rehabilitation.

Bachanas is expected to appear in court at a later date.