Skip to main content

Two woman accused of not feeding their dogs have court appearances rescheduled

By Howard B. Owens

Two Batavia women accused of mistreating their dogs were in City Court today, but both of their cases were rescheduled to a later date.

City Court Judge Michael Del Plato has a conflict of interest on one case. He was also filling in for Judge Robert Balbick, who is already presiding over an unrelated case for one of the defendants, so that case was delayed as well.

Lauren K. Pellegrino, 32, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with abandonment of animal and failure to provide sustenance for an animal. Officers allegedly found a malnourished dog in her residence.

Nina Kelso, 29, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with torturing or injuring an animal/failure to provide sustenance and owning/harboring an unlicensed dog.

Del Plato has a conflict of interest in Pellegrino's case.

Balbick is already handling an unrelated case on Kelso. She's charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Assistant District Attorney Robert Zickl indicated he is seeking compensation from both defendants for the care and feeding of their dogs while they're in foster care.

Kelso and Pellegrino will next appear in court Feb. 27.

Janice Stenman

Animal cruelty often leads to cruelty to humans....even murder. I'm not saying these women would harm a human but others would in a heartbeat. I agree to a statewide registry. Also agree to stiff penalties.

Geesh, by the way, now I know why there are never any comments!!! Hope it can get fixed soon.

Feb 18, 2014, 6:20pm Permalink
Elizabeth Downie

I think, at the very least, a statewide registry is a great idea. That way, a person listed in the registry will get denied when they apply for adoption at a shelter, or when trying to buy a pet from a breeder or pet store.

Does someone have the time to start a petition asking our legislature for a registry to be created? I'd gladly sign it!

Feb 19, 2014, 8:30am Permalink

Authentically Local