Empawthy surrenders most, but not all animals seized in raid

MENANDS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The operators of Empawthy Rescue, Inc., who are facing criminal charges, have surrendered 95 animals that were seized following a raid by police in January.

Jennifer Uhl and Andrew Tremblay, who were arrested on animal cruelty charges, posted $10,000 bond as part of an agreement allowing them to legally own seven of the animals while the case continues to play out in court.

According to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, under the agreement, three ferrets were returned to the children with the stipulation that the animals not live at or visit the Uhl/Tremblay house.

Two cats and one dog that lived with the Uhl/Tremblay family prior to the formation of the rescue will remain in the care of MHHS pending the outcome of the criminal case. 

Also included in the bond agreement is a one-year-old Great Dane, named Carwyn by the staff at MHHS. Ashley Jeffrey Bouck, CEO of the shelter, said the dog was purchased from Craigslist by Empawthy just days before the raid. In a Facebook post, Empawthy was asking for donations for the dog.

Carwyn was severely malnourished when he arrived at MHHS, but has since gained about 15 pounds. He still has a way to go in his recovery, but because of the bond, Jeffrey Bouck explained the shelter's hands are a bit tied.

“We can only provide life-saving care and minimal care, but animals--such as Carwyn, for example--we are not able to help with some of the conditions that he has because he is still owned by them. We’re very limited in what we can do with them, but we will provide the care that we can. We will provide the love that they deserve while they’re with us,” Jeffrey Bouck said.

As for the dozens of animals that were surrendered, MHHS is still looking for some foster volunteers, as it has been operating past capacity.

The next court date for the case is February 28 in Colonie.