3 Dogs Rescued From Abandoned Putnam County Home, Owner Arrested

3 Dog Abandoned in Putnam County Home

In a press release the Putnam County SPCA shared details of a recent complaint they received about 3 dogs allegedly abandoned in a foreclosed home.

According to the statement, SPCA detectives received  the complaint on March 22nd, 2026. Detectives "responded to the location and met with a representative of a company acting on behalf of the company holding the deed to the property."

As detectives entered the home they found 3 male dachshunds that were "confined in a basement in total darkness, surrounded by large quantities of garbage, rubbish, feces, and debris."

Arrest Made In Putnam County Dog Abandonment Case

The Putnam County SPCA Law Enforcement has announced an arrest has been made in the case.

The press release states that after an investigation by the Putnam County SPCA Law Enforcement Division 62-year-old Michael Ward, from Mahopac, was arrested.

Ward was arrested back on March 25th, 2026 and was "charged with allegedly committing three counts of animal cruelty relating to the neglect of the dogs."

In the statement the Putnam County SPCA reminds the community of the following

animal cruelty is a serious crime and encourages anyone who suspects neglect or abuse to report concerns immediately.

Reports of animal cruelty can be shared, and will be kept confidential, 24/7 at the following phone number: 845-520-6915 or online at spcaputnam.org. 

Update on Abandoned Dogs Found in Putnam County

After the dogs were initially found they were immediately removed from the home and taken to Guardian Veterinary Specialists.

The dogs were medically evaluated and treated. The specialists determined the dogs to be "in a state of neglect and suffering from multiple medical conditions consistent with prolonged lack of proper care.

The dogs were suffering from severe dental and ocular disease, overgrown toenails, dry skin, and a foul odor consistent with lack of grooming and sanitation.

One of the dogs rescued was "found to be extremely emaciated, with a body condition score of 1.5 out of 9."

Thankfully, all 3 dogs are now stable and "receiving ongoing medical care, and are in the process of recovering under veterinary supervision."

They will remain in the care of local veterinarians and "will become adoptable at a later date."