Andrea Rosebrock 
Update 3/25/09 – Jail for Man Who Dumped Starved Dog in Donation Bin
See Update – 11/12/08 – What’s Up with Sally, Starved Dog Found in Donation Bin?
Have to admit, I didn’t think I would see this happen but it did and it made my day! You all remember sweet little Sally, short for Salvation, the terrier mix that was found dumped in the metal clothes donation bin in Hyde Park, NY? Well, the actually found the guy who did it!!!
Yup, Gary Lee Rhodes, 28, of Poughkeepsie was the owner of Sally and has been arrested. Rhodes has been charged with one count each of torturing/not feeding an animal, abandonment of a disabled animal and neglect of an impounded animal.
All charges are misdemeanors in violation of state Agriculture and Markets Law.
The arrest was the result of a joint investigation between the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, Dutchess County SPCA Law Enforcement Unit, City of Poughkeepsie Police and the Dutchess County Field Intelligence Group. Sounds like everyone wanted to get this piece of trash!
Dutchess County SPCA Executive Director Joyce Garrity said there is “finally justice for Sally.”
Well, this is definitely a step in the right direction, now we just have to see how prosecution and sentencing goes. I was hoping to see felony charges to be honest and I know that was what some at the SPCA were hoping for as well. That is a disappointment. But I will still be crossing my fingers that there really will be justice for Sally!
And speaking of Sally, what’s she been up to lately and how’s she doing?
Well, turns out Sally is becoming a bit of a poster dog for abuse.
Earlier this week, Sally made a visit to Marist College where she spent some time with professor Douglas Brush’s public opinion class. They will use Sally’s example as a starting point to develop a public relations campaign to prevent animal abuse.
“She will be used as a symbol to make the public more aware of animal abuse,” he said.
As Sally made the rounds of the classroom, putting her paws up on desk after desk – her tail constantly wagging and her tongue freely giving licks – Garrity told the class there is a direct connection between animal abuse and domestic violence.
“What is happening in the family of the person or persons who did this?” Garrity said. “Do you think they are happy people, loving people, or is there some violence in their lives?”
Well, judging by the picture of Rhodes, he’s not looking too happy but then that may be just because he got caught too!
Sally is still recovering and doing well, up to about 25 lbs from the 16 lbs she was when she was found. She’s got a fantastic attitude and is about as happy as a dog can be.
Alot of people are vying to adopt this sweet girl but vets will determine when she is ready and I am quite sure the SPCA will make sure she goes to a wonderful family!
So, all in all, this is pretty good. The charges fall short of what I would have liked to see but then again I didn’t actually expect they would ever even find the scum who did this.
Check out the pictures below of Sally’s visit to Marist College, what a curious little ham she is, and she just loves the attention! Who ever is lucky enough to adopt this sweetheart is going to be very lucky indeed!
WOOHOO WAY TO GO SALLY. I LOVE THAT LAST PICTURE IT’S SO CUTE.
UNFORTUNALLY THIS SOB WILL PROBABLY JUST GET A SLAP ON THE WRIST WHAT A WASTE. HE NEEDS TO BE PUNISHED WORSE THAN THAT.
THERE IS A DOGGY GOD!
I also LOVE that last picture. This guy obviously won’t get everything he deserves. At least not this time. But I am glad he was caught and I hope more people will learn about the issues of animal abuse and neglect through Sally.
She is making a great come back I bet she will make someone a great doggie thanks for the great pics ….jeffrey
What a cute dog>>>>>>
Thank god they caught that monster! Yes, these should be felony charges. I become so angry when I hear the word “misdemeanor” in situations like this, but at least they caught him. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens! Thanks for the update! Vicki T
What a sweet love she is. such happy new’s.
he looks like an idiot , he really deservies a bed right next to Micheal Vick
I am so glad they caught the SOB that did that to Sally! He certainly deserves a harsher punishment, but at least it is a start. And what a silly girl Sally appears to be. Whomever gets the priviledge of adopting her is one lucky person/family! She is a doll and looks so very happy!!!! I would add her to my family in an instant!!!!! You go girl!
I live in this area and a friend knows this guy and said he’s a loser all around. I’d like to put him in a clothing bin and let him starve to death. So glad they caught him…a happy ending for a change
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How could you not love Sally? I am so happy to hear this idiot is going to do jail time. We need to hear more of this jail time thing for all those that hurt any animal.
I’m glad he got caught and will do jail time, probably not nearly enough. I hope law enforcement keeps an eagle eye on this low-life so that they will catch him doing something that will get him put away. It’s a safe bet that he will committ other serious crimes if he has’nt done so already.