Westport MA woman’s actions help lead to the arrest of two from New York on animal neglect, torture charges

Davenport, NY- Actions by a Westport Massachusetts woman has led to the arrest of two New York women on animal neglect and torture charges.

Last week, Sheriff Craig S. DuMond announced the arrest of two Davenport, NY women following an investigation into reports of animal neglect. On December 30th, 2022, Delaware County Sheriff Deputies, received a complaint of a possible animal abuse/neglect involving several dogs, in the Town of Davenport. The information that was provided to the Deputies was that numerous dogs in a kennel/breeding facility were not being properly cared for to include a lack of sanitary conditions. During the course of the investigation, Deputies were provided with photographs of the conditions from within inside the residence that appeared to be consistent with a lack of care for the animals at that residence. Based on the information that was provided to the Deputies during the investigation it was determined that the neglect/ abuse allegations of these animals took place during the spring/summer of 2022.

On January 23rd, 2023, Deputies along with the Town of Davenport Dog Control Officer and Davenport Code Enforcement Officer attempted to interview/inspect the residence where the complaint took place but were denied access to the residence by the property owner.

On February 3rd, 2023, members of the Criminal Investigation’s Division made a second attempt to interview/inspect the residence where the neglect took place and were allowed access to the residence and other buildings on the property where animals were being cared for. Upon the completion and inspection there was no evidence on that day of animal abuse or neglect.

On the afternoon of February 6th, 2023, Delaware County Sheriff Deputies, arrested Doreen Biasi age 47 for one count of animal neglect a class (A) misdemeanor in violation of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law section 353 –Overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; failure to provide proper sustenance.
On the afternoon of February 7, 2023, Delaware County Sheriff Deputies, arrested Ashley Biasi age 24 at the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office for one count of animal neglect a class (A) misdemeanor in violation of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law section 353 –Overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; failure to provide proper sustenance.

In accordance with NYS Bail Reform Legislation, Doreen and Ashley Biasi were both released on appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear at the Town of Davenport Court at a later date to answer the charges.

Speaking on the arrest, Sheriff Craig S. DuMond remarked, “everyone knows that the Sheriff’s Office takes animal neglect and/or abuse cases very seriously. We work tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable in our communities, to include defenseless animals. In regard to this particular case, if the photos taken during the spring and summer of 2022 were provided immediately, additional charges could have been filed. The public is always encouraged to notify us of these cases immediately so that we may take immediate and appropriate action”.

A Westport woman, Shannen Viveiros, was part of the investigation that helped lead to the arrests. She also helped a former owner of one of Biasi’s dogs get her dog back after she lost her son.

Here is her story and how you can help.