4 Dead Cats in Freezer, 17 Animals Rescued From "Uninhabitable" Home

Sheila LaFleur, 63, and Robin Burr, 61, both residents of a home in the town of Canandaigua in Ontario County, New York, were arrested and charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty in late November 2025 after authorities executed a search warrant at the property. Officers from the Ontario County Sheriff’s Department and agents from the Ontario County Humane Society discovered 17 live animals - 14 dogs and 3 cats - living in conditions severe enough for local code enforcement to deem the home uninhabitable. Four deceased cats were found stored inside a kitchen freezer. Both women were released on bond and were scheduled to appear in court.

Conditions Found

The welfare check was initiated after Ohio Animal Rescue - which had recently retrieved two dogs from the home - reported the unsanitary conditions and lack of medical care for the remaining animals. Officers found dogs confined in metal cages alongside others roaming freely throughout the cluttered home. Many animals showed signs of prolonged neglect: flea infestations, fur loss, dental issues, and ear infections. All 17 surviving animals were transported immediately to local veterinarians for evaluation and treatment.

The four cats found in the freezer were sent to the Cornell Animal Diagnostic Center for necropsies to determine the cause of death and to support the legal case against the owners.

Investigation Context

The Ontario County Humane Society reported that in 2025 alone it had investigated 1,050 animal welfare cases, with four involving hoarding situations. The rescued animals were receiving ongoing medical care at the time of reporting. The criminal proceedings against LaFleur and Burr were pending.

References: 4 Dead Cats Found in Freezer and 17 Live Animals Recovered After Complaint About Home’s ‘Unsanitary’ Conditions | 4 dead cats found in kitchen freezer, 17 other animals rescued from ‘unsanitary’ NY home | 4 Dead Cats Found in Freezer, 17 Animals Saved From ‘Unsanitary’ Home