Binghamton Police Seize Dogs, "Animal Abuser" Faces 42 Counts

Binghamton police have taken a man into custody and removed more than 40 animals from a residence after a cruelty investigation.

Detectives showed up at 34 Clinton Street around 8:45 a.m. Thursday. A man working nearby said he "watched them all swoop in." He said one man was transported from the First Ward home by police.

Binghamton police detectives outside a home at 34 Clinton Street on March 23, 2023. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Authorities said 44-year-old John Elmer was arrested after police executed a search warrant. He was the first person to be placed on the Broome County Animal Abuser Registry when it was created in late 2018.

John Elmer faces charges after police seized dozens of animals from his Binghamton home. (2018 Photo: Broome County Sheriff's Office)

Police said 38 dogs, two rabbits and two guinea pigs were removed by the authorities.

Animal cages and dog houses were observed on the property. Some dog toys also were seen in the yard.

Animal enclosures at a Clinton Street residence on March 23, 2023. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Elmer has been charged with 42 misdemeanor counts of violating the terms of the county animal abuser registry.

The arrest followed a month-long investigation into possible animal abuse.

An entrance to an apartment where police found a large number of animals. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The Broome County Humane Society on Thursday posted a message online indicating the agency was preparing to take in a large number of dogs due to a "legal matter."

The organization was requesting donations of items like dog food, bath towels, paper towels and laundry detergent.

The humane society also put out a call for all trained dog-walking volunteers to assist with the sudden influx of animals.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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