Search for Kane continues as animal abuse case moves forward
MILTON, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Saratoga Springs business owner charged with animal cruelty appeared in Milton Town Court. Anthony Gargano is accused of leaving a cat outside the Saratoga County Animal Shelter in the cold after the facility was closed. The latest court appearance comes as the search for that cat, known to his family and neighborhood as Kane, continues.
“Kane wasn’t a pet, he was our family," Jamie DiGiovanni said. "It seems like each day goes by, the hope does get a little slimmer but we’re not giving up hope on finding him.”
Supporters wore "Justice for Kane" shirts as Gargano and his attorney discussed a potential plea. The owner of the Spring St Deli and Pizzeria allegedly took Kane and left him outside the shelter when it was closed on Jan. 4, 2024. It was later reported by the shelter who caught the incident on video and saw Kane run off.
DiGiovanni said Kane was known to the deli staff and wandered around the street. She said this crime could have been prevented.
“I live three houses down, he knew who I was, he was at my house the day before," DiGiovanni said. "All he had to do was put the cat outside or call me.”
Since that day, DiGiovanni and others have been searching for Kane with the help of Clifton Park Pet Search, garnering massive support on social media.
“We have tips sent to Jamie, from there they at looked at through Josh and systematically gone through," Susan Finlayson said. "There are cameras, there are feeding areas, we walk door to door, we talk to people and so many people are willing to help.”
Gargano previously issued a statement on Facebook apologizing. His next court date is set for Mar. 5, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
DiGiovanni said the search for Kane will continue until he is home.
“I didn’t realize how much Kane touched other people, it just warms my heart," DiGiovanni said. "That’s the only thing we want, is him home.”
Anyone with tips to Kane's whereabouts is asked to call Jamie DiGiovanni at 518-491-2653.