SHAFFIRIA JANA DORTCH arrested after an emaciated dog was found in a kennel showing obvious signs of starvation

- New York, USA -

Livingston County Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty reported the arrest of 24-year-old SHAFFIRIA JANA DORTCH (pictured).

On the morning of Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Sheriff's Civil Division and Patrol Deputies responded to a home on Tallman Road in Mt. Morris for an eviction.

Once inside the home, officials discovered a dog in a kennel. Sheriff Dougherty said in a press release that the dog was emaciated and “showed obvious signs of starvation”.

The sheriff's office did not immediately respond to my request for additional information regarding the furvictim, but I learned from the Livingston County District Attorney’s Office that the dog, a Rottweiler, is deceased.

On October 23, 2025, Sheriff's Investigator Ross Gerace arrested DORTCH and charged her with one felony count of aggravated cruelty to animals and one misdemeanor count of failure to provide proper food and drink to an impounded animal.

DORTCH was transported and turned over to Central Booking Deputies at the Livingston County Jail for arrest processing and pre-arraignment detention. DORTCH was later arraigned and released on her own recognizance as the offenses do not qualify for bail under the NYS Bail Reform Act.

I took the liberty of naming the furvictim Aspen for the tribute image. Should his/her given name be made public, I will rectify it accordingly.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

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