SYRACUSE, NY – On Wednesday, October 4, JavonJay Stewart, 33, was arrested and charged with four counts of animal cruelty following the discovery of two dead dogs in the backyard of a Mather Street home.
The Syracuse Police Animal Cruelty Unit had responded to a call of dogs in distress on July 28, only to find both animals deceased and tethered to a metal pole on tangled, short leashes.
At the scene, officers noted the absence of food, water, or shade for the animals, though empty bowls were present. The day’s weather had been sunny, with temperatures around 86 degrees.
Both dogs underwent necropsies at Cornell University, but the results were inconclusive in determining the cause of death. Stewart’s arrest comes following an investigation into the animals’ conditions and subsequent deaths.