SULLIVAN COUNTY — State Police Liberty are investigating an animal cruelty case in the town of Fallsburg. Two pitbulls were found starved to death in a vacant home along with two emaciated cats. The two pet owners have been identified as Miesha Bentley, age 28 and Victoriano Moreira, age 28, both of Loch Sheldrake. Investigation revealed that Bentley and Moreira agreed to care for the animals after their former owners could not keep the animals because of new apartment regulations. Bentley and Moreira left the residence and left no food or water for the animals. A necropsy of the two pitbulls determined that they died from starvation.

Two arrest warrants have been signed and issued by Town Justice Amanda Ward of The Town of Fallsburg Court. The arrest warrants are for Aggravated Cruelty to Animals AM 353-A, class E Felony and Failure to Provide Sustenance AM 353, class A misdemeanor. (Agriculture and Market Laws)

Both Moreira and Bentley have ties to Manhattan.

State Police Liberty are asking anyone with information to contact SP Liberty at 845-292-6600.