by ARGYLE, N.Y. — A shocking case of animal neglect has emerged in Washington County, where authorities say 21 dogs were found dead at a dog boarding facility over the weekend. The owners of the business, Anastasia’s Acres Dog Boarding in Argyle, have been arrested and charged in connection with the deaths.
Dogs Found Dead Due to Lack of Water and Ventilation
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to the facility on August 24 after receiving a report about dead animals. Investigators determined the dogs died because the owners failed to provide adequate water and proper ventilation.
One surviving dog was rescued from the property and rushed to an emergency veterinary clinic, officials confirmed.
Owners Face Multiple Charges
The owners, Anastasia Palulis, 38, and Robert Palulis, 48, were each charged with 22 misdemeanor counts under New York’s agriculture and markets law. The charges include:
- Overdriving
- Torturing and injuring animals
- Failure to provide proper sustenance
The couple was released but ordered to return for a court appearance. It remains unclear whether they have legal representation.
Background on the Facility
According to its website — which is now offline but accessible through archived pages — Anastasia’s Acres Dog Boarding has been operating since 2020 on a three-acre property in Argyle, a small town of 3,600 residents located about 45 miles north of Albany.
The facility had advertised itself as a full-service dog boarding and daycare business offering training, grooming, and overnight boarding. Rates reportedly ranged from $45 to $55 per night, with add-on services like forest walks and daily photo updates.
The website claimed dogs stayed in a “cozy dog cottage equipped with heat and air conditioning” and had access to zoned, fenced-in outdoor areas monitored by cameras.
Family of Victim Speaks Out
One grieving family shared their experience after losing their 8-month-old puppy, Rex. The Browns, who had boarded Rex at the facility, told ABC affiliate News10 Albany they paid extra for daily photos of their dog during their trip.
While they received an update on Saturday, August 23, they noticed the updates stopped the following day.
“She was supposed to send me pictures on Sunday but she didn’t and I had a feeling something was wrong,” Leah Brown told reporters. “We loved him like he was our son. He was just always playing and swimming in his swimming pool.”
Rex was later confirmed to be among the deceased dogs.
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Community Shock and Ongoing Investigation
The case has shaken the small Argyle community, where many pet owners had trusted the boarding facility with their animals.
Authorities confirmed that the owners are cooperating with the investigation. Meanwhile, the sheriff’s office said additional details may be released as the case develops.
If convicted, the Palulises could face significant penalties under New York law, though misdemeanor animal cruelty charges often carry lighter sentences compared to felony cases.
What’s Next
Both Anastasia and Robert Palulis are expected in court at a later date. The sheriff’s office is urging anyone who previously boarded their dogs at the facility and has concerns to contact investigators.
What do you think about this case? Should animal neglect that results in multiple deaths be charged as a felony instead of a misdemeanor? Share your thoughts in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
