MAYFIELD — During the course of an investigation last month into mistreatment of dogs, state police found stolen property at a Mayfield residence, they said.
Ernest J. Fancher III, 24, of state Highway 29A, was arraigned on Thursday on charges related to the stolen items and an agriculture and markets law violation in Mayfield Town Court.
On May 6, state police received a call about loose dogs in the area of state Highway 29A. When returning the canines to the residence, officers discovered additional dogs in an unsanitary environment that were malnourished.
Mayfield Animal Control initially took possession of the animals and later returned two to Fancher, who received dog licenses and rabies certificates in the interim period, according to town Dog Control Officer Karen Wilson.
One canine was given to a Gloversville man, who claimed to be its owner.
Later that month, canines Cesar and Brooklyn were found with porcupine quills during two respective sightings and taken back to the shelter for medical care.
“So this guy owes two vet bills,” Wilson said. “I gave him two tickets when he came to pick them up the second time.”
The dogs are back on Fancher’s property, according to state police spokesperson Stephanie O’Neil. The dogs “were not stolen,” O’Neil said.
Fancher is currently in the Fulton County Correctional Facility in lieu of bail. His next court date is June 13.
Tyler A. McNeil can be reached at 518-395-3047 or [email protected]. Follow him on Facebook at Tyler A. McNeil, Daily Gazette or Twitter @TylerAMcNeil.
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