A former Troy man was sentenced Thursday to 45 days in jail and 5 years of probation for allowing nine animals to die under his care.

Tyler Valentine, 30, allowed three dogs, four cats, a bearded dragon and ferret to starve in his apartment in November 2021, according to the Rensselaer County District Attorney’s Office. Valentine pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated animal cruelty to resolve the case.

“These animals relied on the defendant to provide basic care, instead he allowed them to waste away,” said DA Mary Pat Donnelly in a statement.

Donnelly said she has seen an increase in animal abuse cases. She said there is a training this week at Hudson Valley Community College to provide Rensselaer County’s animal control officers and police with the knowledge and resources necessary to handle these cases.