Cats and dogs left behind in trailer leads to arrest of two women

On July 2, 2022, New York State Police at Richfield Springs arrested Tamara L. Tophoven, age 57 of Edmeston, NY and Rebecca Tophoven, age 43 of Edmeston, NY for four counts of the Agriculture and Markets Law misdemeanor of Overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; failure to provide proper sustenance. 

A trooper was dispatched to check on the safety and welfare of animals that were inside a trailer on Taylor Hill Road in the Town of Edmeston.  An investigation at the scene revealed that several dogs and cats were living inside an abandoned trailer in squalor, with minimal to no ventilation, no access to water and without proper care.

The trooper contacted the Susquehanna SPCA in Cooperstown and they were able to assist and remove the animals.  Three dogs and five cats were checked out by the SPCA’s veterinarians.  All of the animals were voluntarily surrendered to the SPCA to receive the care they need.  So far, the dogs have been adopted but the cats are still looking for homes.  The Susquehanna SPCA can be reached at (607)547-8111. 

T. Tophoven and R. Tophoven were issued appearance tickets to the Edmeston Town Court and are scheduled to appear on July 18, 2022.