Robert and Anastasia Palulis, owners of Anastasia Acres Dog Boarding in Argyle, NY, face 22 counts of misdemeanor animal neglect and related cruelty statutes after 21 dogs died, allegedly left for about 11 hours without adequate water or proper ventilation at their facility.

The charges, filed after an incident last August, moved into the courts with a Jan. 20 appearance in which the couple’s attorneys sought legal relief challenging the way the case was brought. The proceedings put the kennel and the Washington County justice system into an adversarial review of evidence and procedure.

The alleged incident dates to August 24, 2025, when investigators say animals at the Argyle boarding operation were deprived of basic necessities and died. The Washington County District Attorney’s Office is involved in the prosecution of the case. In New York, most acts of animal neglect or failure to provide proper sustenance are prosecuted as Class A misdemeanors, which can carry penalties of up to one year in jail and fines, while certain aggravated cruelty offenses can be charged as felonies.

The Palulises are represented by the Brennan and White law firm. At the Jan. 20 hearing, the defense argued procedural grounds for relief. “The defense argues the charges are based on hearsay and lack firsthand observations or sworn statements from witnesses,” the defense said.

In court papers and oral argument, the defense framed its motion as a challenge to the legality of the filing rather than a denial of the events. “The defense emphasizes the motion concerns the legality of the case filing, not the events themselves,” the defense said. This makes their strategy focused on procedural issues rather than the substance of the allegations against them.

Prosecutors have leveled 22 counts of animal cruelty tied to the deaths of the 21 dogs. The indictment alleges the deaths resulted from being left overnight without water or ventilation at Anastasia Acres Dog Boarding in Argyle. Dog boarding facilities can prevent such tragedies by ensuring they maintain clean environments, provide proper ventilation, and adhere to safety standards that protect the well-being of the animals.

The Jan. 20 proceeding focused on whether the complaint and charging documents met legal standards for admissible evidence and whether the case should proceed to trial on the current record. The defense asked the court to dismiss or narrow the charges on the grounds raised during argument.

The Palulises stood at the center of the courtroom matter as attorneys debated admissibility and the form of the prosecution’s case. The defense’s filings and statements emphasized legal technicalities; the Washington County District Attorney’s Office has maintained the case under its review and prosecution authority.

Local reporting has followed the case since the deaths became public; an additional account of the incident is available from WGNA, which reports that investigators discovered 21 dead dogs inside the facility and one surviving dog that was taken for emergency veterinary care. Comprehensive national data on animal cruelty indicates a concerning trend, with over 16,500 animal cruelty offenses reported in the U.S. in 2021, suggesting this issue extends far beyond this case.

The legal proceedings now hinge on the judge’s rulings about the defense motion filed ahead of or at the Jan. 20 hearing. If the judge denies the motion, the case would proceed toward trial preparation; if the judge grants relief, the scope of charges or evidence could change.

The defendants remain identified in court records as the two owners of the boarding facility, and the formal counts — 22 in number — reflect the prosecution’s charge strategy tied to the 21 dogs that died following the alleged events last August.

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Original reporting: view the original article.