Kirkwood Animal Rescue Director Accused of Cruelty

Another Southern Tier animal rescue group is being accused of not adequately providing for animals in their care.  Weeks after the founder of Angel's Gate in Delaware County was ordered not to serve at a non-profit and was prohibited from taking care of animals, the operator of HEART, Humane Enforcement and Animal Rescue in Kirkwood is being accused of animal cruelty.49 year old Lisa Mistretta was arrested following an investigation by members of the Broome County Humane Society and volunters from a humane society in Georgia.

Investigators say Mistretta ran HEART out of her Burts Road home.

Broome County Sheriff's officials say several dogs, cats and other animals were removed from the home due to what they alleged were unacceptable conditions.

Mistretta is charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty and was released to await an appearance in Town of Kirkwood Court.