Porcupine Soup
Cairo man charged
after nursing dog
found emaciated
January 23, 2024
Andrea Macko/Porcupine Soup
CAIRO―What started as a Facebook post about a found dog has led to the arrest of a Cairo man.
On the cold afternoon of January 14, a woman posted to the Lost and Found Pets of Greene and Columbia Counties community page with several pictures of a female dog that she stated was found in the area of Mountain Avenue in Purling. The dog appeared to be extremely emaciated and looked to have recently given birth.
The post garnered nearly 200 comments, many expressing concern for the dog’s health and questioning where her puppies were.
Soon, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office was involved, along with Hyer Ground Rescue of Catskill, and the momma dog’s eight puppies were located, as was their now former owner.
Michael O. Zambelli, 43, of Cairo was arrested by the sheriff’s office the following day and charged with one count of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals: failure to provide proper sustenance, a misdemeanor under the New York State Agriculture & Markets Law. He was issued an appearance ticket to Cairo Town Court.
A photo of the found dog posted to a Facebook community page. Photo links to original post.
The dog and her puppies were turned over to the care of AnimalKind, a welfare organization and shelter in Hudson.
“Momma is slowly gaining weight and puppies are healthy and ready for their forever homes in a few weeks. This rescue was great teamwork of animal welfare people who truly care and go into action. We want to thank everyone involved and everyone that donated,” AnimalKind stated.
Hyer Ground Rescue will be handling the home visits prior to adoptions and applications for the puppies can be found on AnimalKind’s website at www.animalkindny.org.
The momma dog (left) and one of her eight puppies (right). All of the dogs are now in the care of AnimalKind in Hudson. Photos: AnimalKind.