LIBERTY, NY — Two Town of Liberty residents were arrested on Wednesday, August 16, after sheriff’s deputies were called to a residence on Benton Hollow Road to assist Sullivan County Child Protective Services (CPS).

At the scene, deputies found the residence occupied by 12 dogs, one cat, one guinea pig, and nine rabbits for a total of 23 animals. The structure had no running water. Liberty Town Code Enforcement arrived a short time later and condemned the house as uninhabitable.

A six-year-old child was removed from the residence by CPS and taken into protective custody. Sheriff’s deputies arrested Channell L. Tissierra-Swartz, age 41, and Douglas A. Dymond, 52, for the misdemeanors of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor and Animal Neglect. They were both released on appearance tickets pending a future court date.

The 23 animals were turned over at the scene to the custody of the Catskill Animal Rescue. Deputies were assisted by the Sullivan County Probation Department, which is conducting a separate investigation at the location.