Alleged animal cruelty case in Rome

ROME, N.Y. (WUTR) — A little after 4 p.m. on January 13, police in Rome received an unusual report of animal cruelty. When the Rome Police Department arrived at the home on Third Street, they say they saw the resident of the home cooking what appeared to be a dog on a “makeshift” grill outside.

Police state that the resident was cooperative and answered their questions. The resident told police that the canine carcass was that of a coyote, not a domesticated dog. Unfortunately, the condition of the animal carcass made it impossible for the officers to confirm whether that was true or not.

Animal Control was called to the residence and seized the animal carcass. The investigation is now being handled by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and is still ongoing. Cornell University is currently testing the remains to corroborate the resident's claim. Pending the results, charges may be filled.

Animal Control has also done a check for lost dogs for the previous year and say they found no connection to any missing dogs in the area.