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A Troy man, Wayne Atkins, has been sentenced to 60 days in jail for animal abuse. On Wednesday (September 3), the court handed down the sentence after Atkins pled guilty to violating section 353 of the Agriculture and Markets Law. The charges stemmed from an incident in September 2024, when Atkins struck his two pit bulls with a stick, picked up one by the collar, threw it across the yard, and then dragged it by the collar to the front of his home.
According to Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly, Atkins agreed to surrender the animals and will never be allowed to own another animal. His name has been added to the Rensselaer County Animal Abuse Registry. In addition to his jail sentence, Atkins must also pay a fine.
Assistant District Attorney George Sexton prosecuted the case, which highlights ongoing efforts to address animal abuse in the area. The case has drawn attention to the importance of maintaining strict penalties for those who mistreat animals.