Dog Found Abandoned in Phelps

Name: LaToyia Soler
Age: 34
Street: 55 Tremont Street
City: Geneva, NY 14456

Name: Mitchell Russell
Age: 36
Street: 55 Tremont Street
City: Geneva, NY 14456

On 8/12/25 at about 657am this office and the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office became involved in an animal complaint involving a 2–3-year-old female red Pit-Bull named Ivy, who was walking on the highway on Johnson Road in the Town of Phelps NY.  At this time, she would run away when anyone approached and reported sightings of her, in the areas of County Road 6, County Road 23, and McIvor Road, continued for the next 10 days.  Several private citizens assisted with tracking Ivy and she was eventually captured in a havahart trap set out for her.  Afterwards when she was transported to the shelter by this person whose trap she was in, Ivy was examined by a veterinarian and found to be at least 20 pounds underweight.  She remained at the shelter and was monitored by both the veterinarian and shelter vet technician.   

As this investigation continued it was reported that Ms. Soler and Mr. Russell had abandoned Ivy due to the fact that they were moving and not able to take her with them to their new residence.  They were unsuccessful in trying to rehome her. 

This investigation continued until enough evidence was gathered to charge both Ms. Soler and

Mr. Russell with Animal Abandonment.  In addition, neither were ever actively looking for Ivy or did they attempt to obtain her from the shelter after learning her whereabouts.

On October 12, at about 1100am both Ms. Soler and Mr. Russell were formally charged with Animal Abandonment and were issued appearance tickets to appear in Hopewell Town Court at later date. They both signed ownership of Ivy over to the shelter.   

Ivy continues to regain weight and once medically cleared she will be placed up for adoption.