Animal cruelty case solved after years of legal negotiations

GOSHEN – Some four years after Jack and Frances Stoltz of Wawayanda were charged with animal cruelty, the couple has pled guilty to a charge that they mistreated a number of dogs in their charge.

When police went to their home, they found over 50 Springer Spaniels, 10 of which were in poor health. They were placed in a number of animal shelters and with veterinarians, who nursed them back to good health.

Senior Assistant Orange County District Attorney Neil Haberman said the case was resolved in town court on Tuesday.

“We made a plea offer, which they found acceptable; both defendants pled guilty to one count of animal cruelty and thereafter, we agreed we would have a restitution hearing to determine what amounts, if any, the defendants would be responsible for paying back to the humane societies and the animal rescue groups and the veterinarians, who have provided services,” he said.

The total restitution agreed upon, including a five percent surcharge, is some $8,300.