Empawthy Rescue owners plead guilty in animal cruelty case

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- The operators of Empawthy Rescue have pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges. Andrew Trembley, 41, and Jennifer Uhl, 40, entered a guilty plea that satisfies all 102 animal cruelty charges against them.

On January 17, over a hundred animals were removed from a house at 410 Baker Avenue in Colonie. Officials say the animals were removed for cruel and overcrowded conditions, while being in an unlicensed rescue.

According to police, 16 pets were found dead in the freezer. 47 dogs, 52 cats, and three ferrets were found at the rescue.

The animals were found with several transmissible diseases and did not receive proper care. Among those diseases were panleukopenia, giardia, coccidian, ringworm, round worm and upper respiratory infections. Additionally, the animals were housed in an unsanitary environment covered in feces, urine, vomit, and rotting food.

In February, the co-defendants were charged with 102 counts of animal cruelty. On Wednesday night, the two pleaded guilty to ten counts of overdriving, torturing or injuring animals and failure to provide sustenance.

According to the Albany County District Attorney's Office, the defendants will serve three years of probation, pay court fines on each charge and will not be able to own, have or reside with any animals for 10 years. Additionally, they will be required to close their business and return any donations they have received since their arrests.

The two will also not be allowed to participate in any activities related to animals. Both Tremblay and Uhl are scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. in Colonie Town Court.