{“title”:”Dog Dies After Woman Abandons It in 26-Degree Cold”,”body”:”At a Glance
– A four-pound terrier mix was left outside the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society in Menands, New York, on Jan. 12
– Temperatures in the Albany area dropped to 26 degrees that night
– The dog died of severe hypothermia before staff could save it
– Brigitte Gaston, 62, was arrested the next day and charged with misdemeanor abandonment of animals
– Why it matters: The case highlights the deadly consequences of abandoning pets during winter weather
A small dog has died from hypothermia after being abandoned outside an upstate New York animal shelter during freezing temperatures.
On January 12, the Albany County Sheriff’s Office received a report that a four-pound terrier mix had been left outside the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society in Menands. Staff discovered the dog inside a box, already in poor condition from the cold.
## The Discovery
National Weather Service data shows temperatures in the Albany area fell as low as 26 degrees that night, with a high of only 39 degrees the following day. The tiny dog had no protection from the bitter cold.
Shelter staff immediately attempted to provide care while waiting for authorities to arrive. Despite their efforts, the dog’s body temperature had dropped too low for too long. The animal succumbed to severe hypothermia before it could receive emergency veterinary treatment.
Investigators determined that the person who left the dog made no attempt to contact shelter staff. The animal was simply abandoned outside the facility without notice.
## The Arrest
Authorities identified Brigitte Gaston, 62, as the suspect in the abandonment case. According to News Of Los Angeles‘s reporting, she allegedly left the dog without trying to alert anyone inside the shelter.
Deputies arrested Gaston at her home on Tuesday, January 13. She faces one count of abandonment of animals, a misdemeanor offense under New York State law.
Following her arrest, Gaston received an appearance ticket and was released. She is expected to appear in Village of Menands Criminal Court at a future date. The exact court date has not been disclosed.
## Not an Isolated Incident
This tragedy represents just one of many cases where dogs have suffered after being abandoned in extreme weather conditions.
In a similar incident from January 2025, Kansas City residents discovered a dog left in a crate on a sidewalk around 4 a.m. during a major blizzard. The trapped animal’s continuous barking alerted neighbors to its plight.
KC Pet Project animal services field supervisor Angelina Bryant responded to that emergency call. She navigated through treacherous conditions to reach the abandoned dog.
“When I got there, I could see her shivering, but when she saw me, her tail wagged so hard it shook the crate,” Bryant said. Unlike the New York case, this Kansas City dog survived after being transported to the KC Pet Project facility, where staff kept her safe, warm and comfortable.
## Legal Consequences
Animal abandonment carries varying penalties depending on jurisdiction and circumstances. In New York, abandonment of animals is classified as a misdemeanor offense.
The charge against Gaston could result in:
– Fines up to $1,000
– Potential jail time up to one year
– Possible prohibition from animal ownership
These penalties reflect the serious nature of abandoning a defenseless animal, particularly during dangerous weather conditions.
## Winter Pet Safety
The Humane Society emphasizes that small dogs like terrier mixes are especially vulnerable to cold temperatures. Their small body mass and typically thin coats provide little protection against freezing conditions.
Key safety points include:
– Never leave pets outside in temperatures below freezing
– If surrendering an animal, contact shelter staff directly
– Most shelters have 24-hour drop-off protocols for emergencies
– Leaving animals outside shelter gates is never acceptable
Key Takeaways
– A four-pound terrier mix died after being abandoned outside the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society during 26-degree weather
– Brigitte Gaston, 62, faces misdemeanor abandonment charges
– The dog was found in a box with no protection from freezing temperatures
– Similar abandonment cases have occurred across the country, though outcomes vary
– Animal abandonment can result in criminal charges, fines, and potential jail time
Neither the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society nor the Albany County Sheriff’s Office responded to News Of Los Angeles‘s request for comment by publication time.”,”meta_description”:”Dog dies of hypothermia after woman abandons it outside NY shelter in 26-degree weather. Brigitte Gaston, 62, charged with animal abandonment.”,”categories”:[“Breaking News”]}
