Michael Gilbo Case Dismissed as Rescued Dog Rosie Nears Adoption
- An animal control officer charged with coercion after rescuing a severely injured dog will have that criminal case dismissed, while the animal prepares for adoption, according to wwynytv.com...
- The legal dispute began following an incident in April when an Australian shepherd collie mix named Rosie suffered severe injuries after her leg became caught in a sawmill...
- Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office charged 40-year-old Enus Yoder of Hopkinton with animal cruelty in connection with the case.
An animal control officer charged with coercion after rescuing a severely injured dog will have that criminal case dismissed, while the animal prepares for adoption, according to wwynytv.com reporting. Michael Gilbo, 63, faced a misdemeanor charge in St. Lawrence County after a suspect in an animal cruelty investigation accused him of threatening an arrest to secure the dog’s surrender.
The Rescue of Rosie and the Subsequent Charges
The legal dispute began following an incident in April when an Australian shepherd collie mix named Rosie suffered severe injuries after her leg became caught in a sawmill belt, according to wwynytv.com reporting. Shelter manager Victoria Murray stated that the dog’s owner failed to secure veterinary care for more than two months. The Potsdam Humane Society ultimately took in the animal, where staff amputated the damaged limb using funds raised through public donations.
The St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office charged 40-year-old Enus Yoder of Hopkinton with animal cruelty in connection with the case. In response, Yoder filed a complaint against Gilbo, the animal control officer who transported the dog to the shelter. Yoder alleged that Gilbo used his public position to coerce the surrender of the animal by threatening to arrest Yoder’s 16-year-old son for animal abuse. Gilbo strongly denied the allegations, but the sheriff’s office filed a coercion charge against him in July.
Court Dismissal and Adoption Plans for Rosie
Gilbo appeared in Hopkinton Town Court to address the coercion charge, where prosecutors agreed to dismiss the case on the condition that he commit no crimes for six months. Defense attorney Greg LaDuke defended his client’s actions outside the courtroom, stating, He didn’t do anything. He shouldn’t have been charged in the first place. He saved Rosie’s life.
Public support for the officer and the rescued dog culminated in an August protest in Potsdam. With the legal hurdles cleared, Rosie will avoid being returned to her previous owner and remains at the Potsdam Humane Society available for adoption. The shelter shared its relief on social media, posting, HAPPY DAY, HAPPY DAY!…Justice has prevailed for us all.
Gilbo noted that the dog is scheduled to meet a prospective family that already cares for a three-legged dog.
Enus Yoder Faces Court as Gilbo Remains Employed
Legal proceedings related to the initial animal cruelty investigation continue as Enus Yoder is scheduled to appear in Hopkinton Town Court on Dec. 16. Meanwhile, Gilbo remains employed as an animal control officer across multiple towns in St. Lawrence County. I’m going to continue with my love of animals and save them one day at a time,
Gilbo said.