Staff Report / August 26, 2026
VICTOR — Two Monroe County residents face misdemeanor charges after allegedly tying two dogs to a tree and leaving them in Ontario County earlier this year.
Deputies with the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office responded to the High Point Drive area in Victor on April 4 after a caller reported finding two pit bulls tied to a tree. Officers secured the dogs, named Cowboy and Champagne, and transported them to the Happy Tails Animal Shelter in Canandaigua.
An investigation by the Ontario County Humane Society revealed that 29-year-old Yameila Rodriguez and 42-year-old Tyqwan Coles had attempted to surrender the dogs to Lollypop Farm earlier that same day before deciding to leave. After authorities were initially unable to locate the duo, Victor Town Court issued arrest warrants for both individuals on charges of misdemeanor animal abandonment.
Key details regarding the arrests and the animals’ current status include:
- Arrests & Legal Proceedings: Rodriguez was located and taken into custody by Irondequoit Police on July 28 before being transferred to the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office. Coles turned himself in to Ontario County authorities on August 19. Both defendants were arraigned and released pending future appearances in Victor Town Court.
- Assisting Agencies: The investigation was conducted by the Ontario County Humane Society with assistance from Lollypop Farm and the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office.
- Adoption Availability: Officials confirmed that Cowboy and Champagne are healthy and currently available for adoption at Happy Tails Animal Shelter.
