Hoarding 18 dachshunds Gates, NY (US) Date: Sep 15, 2006 Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Rocco Tripodi Case ID: 9622 Classification: Hoarding Animal: dog (non pit-bull)
Monroe County Humane Society officials plan to press animal cruelty charges against a Gates man whose four properties were raided by police, who found 18 dogs. The homes at 1, 2, 4 and 7 Greenbriar Drive are owned by Rocco Tripodi. Tripodi was taken on Sept 15 to Unity Health System, 89 Genesee St., for mental care by the Monroe County Mental Health Department. He could not be reached for comment. Gates Police Chief David DiCaro said the four properties violated several town codes and were deemed unlivable last week. Another of Tripodi's homes on Chili Avenue was also declared uninhabitable Tuesday afternoon. "We're discussing with the district attorney's office if we feel we have enough of a case to get a felony charge count for each of the dogs," said Richard Gerbasi, vice president of operations and field services for the Humane Society. "We should know by the end of this week how we will proceed." While all 18 dachshunds examined by veterinarians are "doing reasonably well, there were severe cases of neglect, malnourishment and unsanitary conditions," added Gerbasi. The dogs, who suffered flea infestation, were examined by Humane Society chief veterinarian Andrew Newmark. "Many of the dogs were severely emaciated, anemic and suffered from extreme dental problems ... that impacted their ability to eat," said Newmark, in a news release.
Ralph Esposito, Gates supervisor, walked into several of Tripodi's homes and said he was amazed at the conditions. Esposito said Tripodi owns seven properties in Gates. "It was a complete mess like nothing I've ever seen before. It was an ugly scene with urine leaking from the floors to the basement," he said. Tripodi exceeded the town limit for dogs per residence, which is three. There were also 50 gallons of gasoline scattered in plastic and various other containers. "We secured the property and put all his artifacts in the garage and have cut the lawn," Esposito said. "The neighbors are so upbeat that they offered to bring their lawnmowers to help." Neighbors have complained for years about the clutter outside of Tripodi's personal home at 1 Greenbriar Drive, which was decorated with a bevy of teddy bears and religious symbols.
References Democrat & Chronicle - Sept 20, 2006
What you can do::::
As you may well know, some people who purport to be animal rescuers cause far more suffering than they prevent. Given the fact that animal hoarding is often at play in such cases, it is imperative that those convicted of cruelty to animals for such behavior be properly sentenced—the price of a lenient sentence for hoarding is typically additional animal and human suffering.
Please pass that message on to Monroe County District Attorney Michael Green, whose office will soon be bringing an alleged hoarder to court and, we hope, to justice. The defendant is Rev. Rocco Tripodi, 58, of Gates. He faces charges stemming from authorities' reported recent discovery of 18 severely neglected dogs who were languishing inside his filthy Greenbriar Drive home. Many of the dogs were said to have been emaciated, covered in parasites, and suffering from anemia and dental problems. All the animals were seized. At least five of the defendant's properties in Gates and Chili have been declared uninhabitable, according to news sources. Respectfully ask Green that, if Tripodi is convicted, Green work with the court to take the following actions:
Bar the convict from all contact with animals for life, as is allowed by state law. Order the convict to undergo further psychiatric evaluation and subsequent counseling. Incarcerate the convict, if doing so is deemed necessary to prevent repeat offenses. Please be polite when writing.
The Honorable Michael C. Green Office of the District Attorney, Monroe County 47 S. Fitzhugh St. Rochester, NY 14614 585-753-4576 (fax) Please forward this message to others in your area who might be willing to lend their voices to this important issue. The county's animals are counting on you. Thank you for your compassion for animals and for your willingness to act.
