Police: Canandaigua man abandoned, starved 2 dogs in trash-filled home

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (WHEC) — Ontario County Humane officers say a Canandaigua man is facing an animal cruelty charge after they say he abandoned two dogs, one of which died, the other was left incredibly thin from starvation.

Investigators say they went to Stephen Gillam’s home in Canandaigua at the end of November for a report of two abandoned dogs at the home. When they got into the home, they say they found the first dog, Onyx, dead in a metal cage.

Investigators found the second dog, Ellie, alive, but as mentioned, she was emaciated. Humane officers say the home was filled with trash and feces and there wasn’t any food or water for the dogs.

Gillam was found and arrested on Wednesday. He was issued an appearance ticket, and police say other charges are pending.

As for the pups, Onyx’s body was taken to the Cornell University Animal Diagnostic Lab for a necropsy. Ellie is being treated by a local vet.

Gillam’s home was deemed "uninhabitable" by Canandaigua City Code Enforcement.