Police: Albany woman, 63, accused of starving dogs

Albany woman accused of abusing dogs

Dawn Sabatino was charged on Wednesday with one count of aggravated cruelty to animals, three counts of owning/harboring an unlicensed dog and two counts of torturing or injuring animals.

A 63-year-old Albany woman is facing animal cruelty charges.

Police received a report on March 29 about a male pit bull-mix that had been brought to a local veterinarian. The dog was suffering from starvation and other injuries consistent with animal cruelty, police said. The dog had to be euthanized to spare him from further suffering.

Police learned the owner, Dawn Sabatino, had two other dogs still in her care. After police checked her home, officers found two female mixed breed dogs that were also underweight and other injuries consistent with animal cruelty, police said. The animals were transported to the Mohawk-Hudson Humane Society, where they are being evaluated and treated.

Sabatino was charged on Wednesday with one count of aggravated cruelty to animals, three counts of owning/harboring an unlicensed dog and two counts of torturing or injuring animals.

Sabatino was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Albany City Criminal Court at a later date.