Liberty Woman Charged With Felony Animal Cruelty After Dog Found Dead

Liberty, N.Y. – A Liberty woman is facing felony charges after police say a dog was found dead inside an apartment where an eviction had just been carried out.

Village of Liberty Police responded Thursday, January 29, after the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office Civil Division executed an eviction warrant at an apartment on Grant Street and discovered the deceased animal. Investigators determined the dog had been the victim of severe abuse and neglect.

A joint investigation by the Village of Liberty Police Department and the Town of Liberty Dog Control Officer and Constable led to the arrest of Marybeth Edwards, 44, of Liberty. Police say Edwards also disposed of evidence during the investigation.

Edwards was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and tampering with physical evidence, both felonies. She was arraigned in Town of Liberty Court and remanded to the Sullivan County Jail without bail. She is due back in court February 4.

Village of Liberty Police Chief Steven D’Agata said the alleged actions showed extreme disregard for the animal’s welfare.

“The intentional killing of this dog by failing to provide its basic needs caused extreme physical suffering and was carried out in an especially depraved and sadistic manner,” D’Agata said.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Village of Liberty Police Department Detective Division at 845-292-4422.

Image Credit: Village of Liberty Police