Two Charged After Dogs Found Starved To Death, Cats Emaciated At Home In Hudson Valley

State Police are investigating an animal cruelty case after two pit bulls were found starved to death with two emaciated cats at a Hudson Valley home.

Trooper Reichart, who adopted one of the emaciated cats found at the Hudson Valley residence
Photo Credit: *New York State Police (Facebook)*

Valerie Musson

02/14/2019 8:30 a.m.

Two pet owners have been identified during the investigation; Miesha Bentley, age 28, and Victoriano Moreira, age 28, both of Loch Sheldrake. Police say Bentley and Moreira agreed to look after the animals after their former owners could no longer care for them due to new apartment regulations.

Bentley and Moreira allegedly left the residence without leaving any food or water for the animals. A necropsy of the two pit bulls determined that they died of starvation. However, one of the two cats found at the home has been adopted by one of the Fallsburg troopers.

Justice Amanda Ward of the Town of Fallsburg Court has issued and signed two warrants for Bentley and Moreira’s arrests. The warrants include charges for aggravated cruelty to animals (a Class E felony) and failure to provide sustenance (a Class A misdemeanor).

Both Bentley and Moreira have connections to the Manhattan area. Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts is urged to contact SP Liberty at (845) 292-6600.

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