Heartbreaking Loss at New York Boarding Facility as 21 Dogs Die and Owners Face Multiple Charges

A Tragic Discovery in Argyle

What should have been a safe haven for dogs turned into a devastating tragedy in the town of Argyle, New York. Deputies responding to a call arrived at a local boarding facility and were met with a heartbreaking scene. Inside, they found 21 dogs dead and one more clinging to life. The surviving dog was rushed to an emergency veterinarian for immediate treatment.

The discovery has left the community shocked and grieving, with many calling it one of the most disturbing cases of animal neglect the region has witnessed in recent years.

Cause of Deaths Linked to Neglect

According to the investigation, the cause of death was tied to a lack of proper care. The dogs had not been provided with sufficient water, and the facility’s poor ventilation created conditions that became fatal. For animals entirely dependent on their caretakers, the absence of such basic necessities proved devastating.

This incident underscores the essential responsibilities of those who operate boarding services. Adequate shelter, hydration, and ventilation are the minimum standards required for animal welfare, and the failure to meet them had tragic consequences.

Owners Charged with Multiple Offenses

The facility, identified as Anastasia’s Acres Dog Boarding, was run by Robert Palulis, 48, and Anastasia Palulis, 38. Following the investigation, both were charged with 22 misdemeanor counts each. The charges include “overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals” as well as “failure to provide proper sustenance.”

While the charges are classified as misdemeanors under New York State law, the sheer scale of the case — involving the deaths of 21 animals — has drawn significant public attention.

Legal Proceedings Await

Both owners cooperated with authorities during the investigation. They were released after being formally charged and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date. The hearings will determine the legal outcome of the case and whether additional penalties or restrictions on operating animal facilities may follow.

Community Reaction and Concern

The deaths have sparked anger and sorrow among local residents and animal advocates alike. Many families in the community rely on boarding facilities to care for their pets, often considering them as trusted guardians for their beloved animals. The news has left pet owners questioning how such conditions could go unnoticed and calling for stricter oversight of boarding operations.

Animal welfare groups have highlighted the case as a reminder of the urgent need for stronger monitoring and accountability in the pet care industry. For many, the tragedy serves as a painful lesson about the risks posed when standards of care are neglected.

A Stark Reminder of Responsibility

Pet boarding facilities are entrusted with the care of animals whose owners expect them to be safe, comfortable, and healthy during their stay. The Argyle case highlights how devastating the consequences can be when that trust is broken. Adequate water, proper ventilation, and attentive care are not luxuries but basic necessities.

As the legal process moves forward, the incident will likely continue to spark broader conversations about animal welfare, regulations for boarding facilities, and the importance of holding caretakers accountable when they fail to protect those who cannot protect themselves.