The owners of an upstate New York dog boarding facility have been charged in the deaths of 21 dogs under their care, officials said Tuesday.
Robert Palulis, 48, and Anastasia A. Palulis, 38, are accused of failing to provide adequate water and ventilation, resulting in the animals’ deaths, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
Deputies found the animals on Sunday at Anastasia’s Acres Dog Boarding in the town of Argyle, about 45 miles north of Albany, following a report of dead dogs.
After a short investigation, authorities concluded that 21 dogs were dead. One was found alive and taken to Northway Animal Clinic in Moreau for treatment.
On Tuesday, the sheriff’s office announced the owners are facing 22 misdemeanor charges under Section 353 of New York’s Agriculture and Markets Law, which covers overdriving, torturing and injuring animals, as well as failing to provide proper sustenance.
Both Robert and Anastasia Palulis were released on appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear in Argyle Town Court at a later date.
Hannah Elmore, a 12-year-old girl whose 3-year-old dog Piglet was among the 21 animals found dead, told local CBS affiliate WRGB that her family has not heard from authorities about the cause of death.
“My dad said it had something to do with the AC, but we didn’t get much information about it,” Hannah said.
Piglet was supposed to stay at the facility for two nights. The family had dropped her off on Friday before going away for the weekend.
On Sunday, just before they planned to pick her up, Hannah’s dad received a call with the devastating news.
“I broke down immediately,” Hannah said.
The family then went to the facility and gave Piglet’s name to authorities.
“They went inside and got her and brought her out, and then we brought her home, and then we buried her in the backyard,” she said.
https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/08/26/21-dogs-found-dead-argyle-ny-owners-charged/
