Boarding Facility Owners Face Charges After 21 Dogs Found Dead

A small dog boarding facility in upstate New York has become the center of a heartbreaking case. Owners Robert and Anastasia Palulis face serious charges after 21 dogs died in their care over a single weekend. The shocking incident at Anastasia’s Acres Dog Boarding in Argyle has left pet owners devastated and sparked outrage over animal welfare.

A Grim Discovery at Anastasia’s Acres

The tragedy unfolded when deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about deceased dogs at the facility. Upon arrival, they found 21 dogs dead and one in critical condition, requiring urgent veterinary care. The surviving dog was rushed to an emergency clinic, but the loss of so many animals stunned the community. Authorities determined the dogs died due to a lack of water and poor ventilation, conditions that led to their suffering.

The facility, meant to be a safe haven for pets, became a scene of neglect. The owners, Robert Palulis, 48, and Anastasia Palulis, 38, were arrested and now face 22 misdemeanor counts each. These charges include overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals, as well as failing to provide proper sustenance. The sheriff’s office noted that the couple cooperated with the investigation, but the scale of the tragedy has raised serious questions about their operation.

Charges and Legal Consequences

The 22 misdemeanor counts stem from New York’s Agriculture and Markets Law, which addresses animal cruelty and neglect. Each count reflects the failure to provide basic care, such as water and adequate airflow, to the dogs entrusted to them. The Palulises’ case will be heard in municipal court, though no specific date has been shared. For now, the facility remains closed, with a notice on its social media stating it will stay shuttered until further notice. Attempts to reach the owners for comment have gone unanswered, leaving many to wonder how such a tragedy occurred.

Each charge carries a potential penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. While these are misdemeanor charges, the sheer number of counts underscores the severity of the incident. The community awaits further details as the legal process unfolds, hoping for justice for the animals and their owners.

A Community in Mourning

The loss of 21 dogs has hit pet owners hard. Many had trusted Anastasia’s Acres to care for their beloved companions, only to receive devastating news. Social media posts from the facility’s page have been met with grief and anger from clients and animal lovers alike. The incident has also sparked broader conversations about the oversight of pet boarding facilities. How could such neglect go unnoticed? What measures can prevent this in the future?

Local residents have expressed shock, as the facility had operated in the small town of Argyle without prior public complaints. Some have called for stricter regulations on boarding businesses, while others are sharing stories of their lost pets, hoping to honor their memory. The surviving dog, now under veterinary care, offers a small glimmer of hope amid the tragedy.

Questions About Oversight and Care

Investigators are piecing together how the situation at Anastasia’s Acres deteriorated so drastically. Early reports suggest the dogs were left in conditions without proper ventilation or access to water, leading to their deaths. The exact timeline and circumstances are still under review, but the incident has exposed gaps in the boarding industry. Unlike some states with strict licensing for pet facilities, New York’s regulations vary, and small operations can sometimes fly under the radar.

The Palulises, who ran the business together, have not publicly addressed the allegations. Their silence has only fueled speculation and frustration among those affected. Authorities have not indicated whether the couple had prior violations, but the scale of this incident suggests a catastrophic failure in care. The investigation continues, with officials likely reviewing the facility’s practices and history.

Moving Forward After the Loss

The tragedy at Anastasia’s Acres serves as a painful reminder of the trust pet owners place in boarding facilities. For many, pets are family, and the loss of 21 dogs feels deeply personal. As the case moves through the courts, the focus remains on accountability and preventing future incidents. Animal welfare advocates are calling for better oversight, including regular inspections and clearer standards for pet care businesses.

The Argyle community, though small, is coming together to support those who lost their pets. Memorials for the dogs have begun to appear online, with owners sharing photos and stories of their companions. While the legal process will determine the Palulises’ fate, the broader impact of this tragedy will likely linger, pushing for change in how pet boarding facilities operate across the state.