Incident Overview

A distressing case of animal cruelty surfaced in Rockland County, New York, when a Tibetan mastiff was discovered tied to a tree in Harriman State Park. The female dog, estimated to be between four and six years old, was abandoned on February 26 along a well-traveled hiking route.

Health Issues Leading to Euthanasia

Veterinarians reported that the dog suffered from severe health complications, including a massive tumor that had metastasized to other organs. In consultation with animal health professionals, euthanasia was ultimately deemed the most humane option for the animal, despite the Hudson Valley Humane Society having no involvement in that decision.

Community Response and Investigation

In light of this heartbreaking event, the Hudson Valley Humane Society (HVHS) is actively seeking assistance from the public. They have announced a reward of $5,000 for information that could lead to the arrest of the individuals responsible for abandoning the dog.

“The message we would like to get out to the community is, if you need to divest yourself of your animal, whatever kind of animal it is, you don’t need to resort to that,” said AnnMarie Gaudio, Director of HVHS and a Humane Law Enforcement Officer.

Call to Action

Authorities are emphasizing the importance of community awareness in tackling such incidents. Gaudio has urged the Rockland County District Attorney to form a specialized task force dedicated to prosecuting cases of animal cruelty. This initiative aims to implement stricter penalties for offenders and enhance preventative measures in the future.

• Date of incident: February 26
• Location: Harriman State Park, Seven Lakes Drive
• Reward for information: $5,000
• Contact number for tips: 917-701-3870