Prosecutors reportedly charged the owners of a dog boarding facility in Argyle, New York, after deputies found 21 dead dogs.
Officials charged Robert and Anastasia Palulis, the owners of Anastasia’s Acres, with 22 misdemeanor counts after detectives alleged that the building where the dogs were kept did include adequate ventilation or water access, according to court documents obtained by NBC5. The two are accused of overdriving, torturing, overdriving and injuring animals, as well as failure to provide proper sustenance under New York State Law.
First responders rushed to Anastasia’s Acres on Sunday after receiving a report of deceased animals at the facility, according to a Washington County Sheriff’s Department (WCSO) press release. WCSO Sheriff Jeffrey Murphy confirmed that officials found 21 dogs dead and transported one surviving dog to an emergency animal clinic for treatment.
“The owners of Anastasia’s Acres are cooperating with the Sheriff’s Office and the investigation. A Veterinarian was on the scene assisting investigators along with the Animal Control Officers for the Town of Argyle,” the press release read.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a tragic incident at Anastasia’s Acres Dog Boarding in Argyle, where 21 dogs were found dead Sunday.https://t.co/0gPuIlt30C pic.twitter.com/EkmaxDFns0
— CBS 6 Albany – WRGB (@CBS6Albany) August 25, 2025
Anastasia’s Acres has operated since 2020, offering boarding, grooming, daycare, training, and home care for dog owners in the area, NBC5 reported, citing their website. The Daily Caller could not access the website, which appears to say it is down for maintenance.
The business owners were contacted for comment but no responses were made, the outlet reported. Authorities have released the two owners and they have been scheduled to appear in Argyle court in the future.
Danielle Barber, whose two dogs were among those who allegedly died, expressed devastation over the incident to NBC5. Barber confirmed that she has not heard from the owners after the incident.
“Their house is literally thirty feet from the kennel where the dogs are boarded,” Barber told the outlet. “So the fact that nobody went out to check on the dogs at any point in time. I’m sure there were dogs barking in distress.” (RELATED: REPORT: 11-Year-Old Attacked By Mountain Lion While Feeding Chickens)
The WCSO encouraged community members who may have relevant details to come forward in the press release.