Humane Law Enforcement Archives | Lollypop Farm https://www.lollypop.org/blog/tag/humane-law-enforcement/ Humane Society of Greater Rochester Thu, 09 Oct 2025 18:11:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://www.lollypop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cropped-lollypop_circle_only_green-32x32.png Humane Law Enforcement Archives | Lollypop Farm https://www.lollypop.org/blog/tag/humane-law-enforcement/ 32 32 From Broken Bones to a Healing Heart: Moose’s Story https://www.lollypop.org/blog/from-broken-bones-to-a-healing-heart-mooses-story/ Thu, 09 Oct 2025 18:11:26 +0000 https://www.lollypop.org/?p=45582 When Moose arrived at Lollypop Farm, his condition told a heartbreaking story. Transferred from another shelter, this sweet little dog carried the visible and hidden scars of mistreatment, including rubber

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When Moose arrived at Lollypop Farm, his condition told a heartbreaking story. Transferred from another shelter, this sweet little dog carried the visible and hidden scars of mistreatment, including rubber bands that were found embedded around all four of his “wrists.”

Radiographs done at the Klingenstein Veterinary Clinic revealed even more: a broken back leg, broken ribs, broken orbital bone, and another broken bone in his front limb. The rib fractures showed signs of healing at different stages, evidence that Moose had endured repeated trauma over time.

Yet despite everything he had been through, Moose showed nothing but love. One of our dedicated veterinary technicians opened her heart and home, providing Moose with a safe foster environment where he could heal, surrounded by comfort and care.

In time, Moose underwent a complex surgery at the Klingenstein Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Cristina Cadavieco performed a Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO), a procedure that removes the head and neck of the femur to relieve pain and restore mobility in a damaged hip. Thanks to this surgery and the tireless efforts of his medical and foster teams, Moose began to move forward on the path to recovery.

An arrest was made in Moose’s case, and Moose was surrendered. He will soon be available for adoption and on his way to a new home.

Stories like Moose’s remind us that second chances take time, compassion, and a community that believes in brighter futures for animals in need. Every wag of Moose’s tail is a testament to what’s possible when we come together to heal, protect, and give love where it’s needed most.

Moose’s journey is far from over, but with friends like you, his future is full of hope.

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Humane Law Enforcement at Lollypop Farm Helps Lead the Charge for Stronger Animal Protection Laws in New York https://www.lollypop.org/blog/humane-law-enforcement-at-lollypop-farm-helps-lead-the-charge-for-stronger-animal-protection-laws-in-new-york/ Wed, 07 May 2025 12:28:11 +0000 https://www.lollypop.org/?p=41635 At Lollypop Farm, our mission to build a more compassionate world for animals goes far beyond our shelter walls. Every day, our Humane Law Enforcement investigators work to investigate and

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At Lollypop Farm, our mission to build a more compassionate world for animals goes far beyond our shelter walls. Every day, our Humane Law Enforcement investigators work to investigate and stop cruelty, neglect, and abuse across the Greater Rochester region— but their work is also reaching the New York State Assembly.

Thanks to the advocacy efforts of our team and the leadership of Assemblymember Jen Lunsford, two new pieces of legislation are now up for a vote that could dramatically strengthen protections for animals across the state.

These proposed laws—Assembly Bill A1609 and Assembly Bill A6602—are critical next steps in preventing cruelty and ensuring that those who harm animals are held accountable.

Legislation regarding criminal reporting

Designates a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals as a qualified agency for the purpose of allowing access to the division of criminal justice services central data facility.*

The first piece of proposed legislation is for SPCA officers to have access to the New York State central database, which contains information such as criminal records, photographs, fingerprints, and other information.

This legislation also means that Lollypop Farm and other animal welfare agencies would be able to report into this system, providing better reporting of animal crimes to other agencies. This would help keep track of those who have committed acts of cruelty or neglect towards animals and provide agencies like the FBI with important information to help prevent further crimes.

Research suggests that there is a link between human and animal violence, and animal abusers are more likely to commit harm to other people. This legislation would help to prevent further crimes against animals and people.

Impact at a glance:

    • Improves tracking and sharing of information about animal abuse offenders.

    • Supports better coordination across numerous agencies.

    • Aims to interrupt the cycle of violence by identifying repeat offenders, recognizing the link between animal abuse and human violence.

    Legislation regarding endangering the welfare of a companion animal or farm animal

    Establishes the crime of endangering the welfare of a companion animal or farm animal in the first and second degree.

    Endangering the welfare of an animal in the second degree involves reckless conduct that will ultimately cause harm to a companion or farm animal. In the first degree, it includes intent to harm, which would be a felony under the law. Currently, most laws involving animal cruelty are misdemeanors in New York.

    “We have been working on this for some time now,” states Reno DiDomenico, VP of Humane Law Enforcement at Lollypop Farm. “We hope that taking a more proactive approach to animal cruelty will give us more of an ability to prevent crimes instead of having to react to them, and ultimately help us save more animals.”

    By formally recognizing the severity of these crimes, this legislation brings long-overdue accountability and reinforces the importance of animal lives under state law.

    Impact at a glance:

        • To be more preventative and give officers the ability to act sooner in situations involving cruelty.

        • Includes the mental culpability of the defendant, making it harder for the defendant to justify their actions.

        • Encourages stronger deterrents and allows for more significant legal consequences.

        What can you do?

        Head to the New York State Senate website using the links below and write in your support. There is a button on the right side of each page asking, “Do you support this bill?” which you can click on “Aye.” You can also receive alerts by providing your email address or by creating an account. Let New York State know that you support these pieces of legislation to help protect animals!

        For bill A1609 regarding reporting, visit this page.

        For bill A6602 regarding endangering the welfare of a companion or farm animal, visit this page.

        We would like to thank Assemblyperson Jen Lunsford for sponsoring these vital pieces of legislation. Lollypop Farm extends its gratitude to Assemblymember William Conrad, Assemblymember Deborah Glick, and Assemblymember Maritza Davila for cosponsoring Assembly Bill A1609, as well as Assemblymember Micah Lasher and Assemblymember John T. McDonald III for cosponsoring Assembly Bill A6602.

        These legislative efforts reflect a major step forward in protecting animals across New York. They also strengthen the foundation of our humane law enforcement work, giving our officers the information, recognition, and legal support they need to do their jobs effectively.

        Together, we’re creating a safer, kinder world for animals—one law at a time. Thank you for being part of this life-saving mission.

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        ]]> From Dumpster to Dream Home: The Story of Oscar https://www.lollypop.org/blog/from-dumpster-to-dream-home/ Fri, 18 Apr 2025 12:37:13 +0000 https://www.lollypop.org/?p=41037 A sweet little black and white dog peeked out from a dumpster door near an apartment complex in Rochester—matted, wet, and shivering. His howl for help echoed through the chilly

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        A sweet little black and white dog peeked out from a dumpster door near an apartment complex in Rochester—matted, wet, and shivering. His howl for help echoed through the chilly air. Thankfully, a kind passerby noticed and stepped in to help.

        Rochester Animal Services and the Humane Law Enforcement team at Lollypop Farm quickly joined forces to rescue the pup and get him the care he needed. Given the circumstances of his abandonment, Humane Law Enforcement began a full investigation into his case. He was named Oscar—a nod to where he was found—but unlike his namesake from Sesame Street, Oscar was no grouch. He was nothing but sweetness.

        Oscar was brought to Lollypop Farm and was evaluated by staff at the Klingenstein Veterinary Clinic. He was underweight, tangled in mats, and had clearly been through a lot—but his tail never stopped wagging. It didn’t take long for the staff to fall for his lovable personality. Once he was groomed and given a clean bill of health, Oscar was ready for the fresh start he deserved.

        In just a few short weeks, Oscar’s story turned from one of neglect to one of second chances.
        Unfortunately, not all stories end this way. But thanks to the tireless efforts of Lollypop Farm’s Humane Law Enforcement team, many animals like Oscar get the chance to heal and find happiness.

        Lollypop Farm’s Humane Law Enforcement officers are certified peace officers in New York State. They investigate and enforce animal cruelty laws in Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, and Orleans counties. These cases can be difficult—gathering evidence takes time, and community support is often critical to ensuring animals are protected.

        In Oscar’s case, investigators canvassed the neighborhood, asked questions, and searched for answers. But after weeks of investigation, his former owner was not identified.

        While it’s tough when a case remains unsolved, what matters most is that animals like Oscar go on to live better lives. Today, Oscar is living proof of the second chances that are possible, thanks to the compassion of a stranger and the dedication of the Humane Law Enforcement team at Lollypop Farm.

        Oscar is now living his best life with his new family. His owners say that he is doing great at home. “We couldn’t love him more,” states Oscar’s dad, Steve. “He loves taking long walks with his dad to sniff all the sniffs before curling up on the sofa to snuggle with Mom.” Oscar’s family states that he has a lot of adorable quirks as well, like pulling his toys out into a neat pile, taking four specific toys into bed each night, and preferring to have small, gentlemanly bites of treats! When speaking of the team at Lollypop Farm, Steve recounts, “Everyone was so nice and patient and answered any questions we had. We were very impressed that the behavior specialist, the vet, and everyone who had been working with Oscar stopped in while we were meeting with him to answer any questions we might have. They gave us all the time in the world to sit with him and make sure it was a good fit. The process was very easy, and we felt very comfortable with everything when we left to start Oscar’s big adventure. He is a good guy, and we are so very grateful to the officers and everyone at Lollypop Farm who rescued our baby. He is so very loved, and he is loving life.”

        If you witness an animal being abused or neglected, call our Humane Law Enforcement Hotline at 585-223-6500.

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        Signs of Animal Abuse https://www.lollypop.org/blog/signs-of-animal-abuse/ Thu, 25 Mar 2021 20:14:54 +0000 https://lollypop.wpengine.com/?p=26667 Everyday Lollypop Farm Humane Law Enforcement Department receives calls asking us to look in on animals who may be victims of abuse. Our five investigators are charged with investigating and

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        Everyday Lollypop Farm Humane Law Enforcement Department receives calls asking us to look in on animals who may be victims of abuse. Our five investigators are charged with investigating and enforcing the animal crimes law of New York State in Monroe, Livingston, Genesee, and Orleans counties. The accounts of crimes against animals can be hard to hear, but sometimes the most difficult part of the job is knowing just how many pets are still out there suffering in silence. You can turn the life of a pet around, and help bring abusers to justice by learning how to identify and report potential abuse to Lollypop Farm at 585-223-6500 or 9-1-1.

        The first step is to familiarize yourself with the laws in your state and county. While we all may want the very best for our community’s pets, it’s important to note that what one person sees as inhumane may still be legal. Our Humane Law Enforcement Investigators work within the constraints of the law to help as many pets as possible. Here is a great resource to better understand New York State’s Animal Crimes Laws.

        Identifying Neglect of Animals

        Neglect can include failure to provide adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care for an animal. Neglect is one of the most commonly seen forms of animal abuse by Humane Law Enforcement Investigators. These cases can consist of anywhere from a single animal to larger groups such as those seen in animal hoarding situations. While context is important to any case some of the signs of neglect to be aware of are:

        • A tight collar causing injury to the neck
        • Open wounds or ongoing complications from untreated wounds/illness
        • Untreated skin conditions resulting in hair loss, scaly skin, bumps and rashes
        • Extreme thinness or emaciation where bones maybe visible
        • Signs of inadequate grooming such a matting of fur and overgrown nails where it may be causing pain to the animal
        • Weakness or limping
        • Animal is tied up outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water
        • Animals that are in distress due to extreme weather conditions
        • Pets are kept in areas littered with feces, garbage, broken glass, or other harmful objects
        • Animals are housed in kennels or cages without room to stand or turn around
        When we were first introduced to Chester, he had conjunctivitis, painful bladder stones, and an infection on his leg so bad that it would require amputation to save his life. After an investigation, Humane Law Enforcement made an arrest in connection with his neglect.

        Physical Abuse

        Physical animal abuse can take on many forms. Sadly, pets often suffer silently from violent crimes that happen in the privacy of home, and the pets may not be the only ones. Research has shown that there is a link between animal crimes and crimes against people. Abusers of animals are likely to escalate and abuse people as well. That’s why it is so imperative that animal abusers are reported, for the safety of both the pets and people in their lives. Physical abuse can include blunt force trauma, burns, asphyxiation, sharp force trauma, drowning, projectile injuries, and even sexual abuse. Because there are so many forms of physical abuse, there are a variety of warning indicators such as:

        • Injuries to more than one location of the body
        • Multiple injuries at different stages of healing
        • A changing story about how injuries occurred
        • A story that seems inconsistent with the pet’s injuries
        • Failure to seek prompt medical attention for a pet’s injury
        • Weakness or limping
        In the midst of brutally beating his partner, Bruno’s former owner directed his blows towards Bruno. Working with the police, Lollypop Farm Humane Law Enforcement acted swiftly to seize Bruno and his sister Elsa, bringing them back to the shelter.

        Take the pledge to help a pet in need. If you suspect a pet to be abused or neglected contact Lollypop Farm Humane Law Enforcement Investigators at (585) 223-6500 or dial 9-1-1.

        Want to help bring abusers to justice? Lollypop Farm Humane Law Enforcement Department receives no government funding. Your donations can help our investigators protect pets in our community and prevent future abuse. Donate today.

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        Lollypop Farm Rescues 90+ Cats from House Fire https://www.lollypop.org/blog/lollypop-farm-rescues-90-cats-from-house-fire/ Thu, 14 Jan 2021 21:56:14 +0000 https://lollypop.wpengine.com/?p=25587 UPDATE (January 14, 4:22 p.m.): As our team continues to rescue cats from the property, we have now removed 90+ cats and kittens, and all are now receiving veterinary care

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        UPDATE (January 14, 4:22 p.m.): As our team continues to rescue cats from the property, we have now removed 90+ cats and kittens, and all are now receiving veterinary care at Lollypop Farm. Some have already found foster homes. Thank you for your continued support!

        At roughly 2 a.m. on Thursday, January 14, Lollypop Farm Humane Law Enforcement Investigators responded to a call about a house fire in Perinton, New York, where it was estimated that 60 – 70 cats were living inside and were in immediate danger.

        Cats were rescued from the residence by Lollypop Farm staff and transported to the shelter where they received immediate care.

        Our team jumped into action, immediately starting to remove cats from the burned residence and transport them to the clinic at Lollypop Farm, where they would require baths, recuperation time in oxygen tanks, and other forms of lifesaving care. Displaced, scared, and suffering from smoke inhalation, these cats desperately needed our help.

        Dr. Cristina Cadavieco arrived at Lollypop Farm in the early hours of the morning to tend to cats in need of immediate veterinary care.

        Knowing that we would need to quickly free up space in the shelter for this large group of cats, we turned to our community for support. And they came through with incredible haste! From local rescue groups, to families willing to take on a foster-to-adopt, we were able to find homes for over 20 cats available for adoption, and free up resources for the newly admitted felines. Many supporters who could not bring a cat into their home but still wanted to help made donations to Lollypop Farm, supporting their care.

        Covered in soot, singed, and suffering from smoke inhalation, these cats need your support.

        In addition to adult cats, a number of kittens—some newborn—were also rescued from the house. These kittens will get to start out fresh in foster homes while they regain their health, and then will find the happy homes they deserve. Intensive and extended veterinary care for these cats, along with your support, is critical to saving their lives. By making a gift today, you are ensuring that these cats and others in need of emergency veterinary services receive the care they desperately need. Thank you!

        This tiny family will get a fresh start in a foster home, and then will each find happy homes of their own thanks to your support.

        Help support the care for these cats: www.lollypop.org/get-involved/community-care-alert

        Meet cats currently available for adoption: www.lollypop.org/adopt

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