Former Granby animal control officer arrested for animal cruelty
State Police arrested Samantha J. Rizzo, 46, OF 64 Country Lane, Fulton, for animal cruelty (Agriculture and Markets Law § 353), a class A misdemeanor.
On June 8, 2018, State Police responded to an animal abuse case in the town of Hannibal. The complainant advised patrol that they brought the animal to a local veterinary clinic where it was determined the male Pomeranian dog had suffered a broken jaw and multiple fractures to the head area.
Investigation revealed the dog belonged to Rizzo, who was arrested July 30, 2018, on charges of third-degree falsely reporting an incident, a class A misdemeanor, after she denied knowing who owned the injured dog.
On Sept. 14, 2018, a veterinarian who reviewed the case determined there was clear evidence of neglect along with abuse.
Rizzo was charged with animal cruelty and issued an appearance ticket returnable in Hannibal Town Court at 6 p.m. Oct. 2, 2018.