False Claim of Stray Dog, Owner Abandonment

Person Involved:  Timothy M. Gardiner Jr. 
Age: 49
Address:  4345 Shortsville Road Lot#10 Shortsville NY 14548 

On July 15, 2025 at about 1040am, Mr. Gardiner came to the Ontario County Humane Society with a female German Shepherd dog, he claimed wandered into his yard when he was mowing and wouldn’t leave. At this time, he secured her and brought her to the Humane Society and reported her as a found dog. He then signed the necessary paperwork to turn her in as a found dog with an unknown owner. This dog was then checked for an implanted microchip and one was found. A check of the microchip number showed that the dog, named Luna, a 10-month-old female German Shepherd, was currently registered to Mr. Gardiner. The microchip company then sent him an alert notice that Luna was at the animal shelter. 

On this same date at about 543pm, Mr. Gardiner called the Ontario County 911, asking to pick up his dog who was brought to the Humane Society earlier by an unknown person and he received an alert that she was at this facility. He was given information on how to retrieve his dog the next. 

Animal Control Investigators assisted by Ontario County Deputies then interviewed him in regards to these incidents and Mr. Gardiner claimed that he turned his dog in due her being aggressive towards his grandchildren when they visit. He then tried to get his dog back after his girlfriend returned home and found the dog was missing. 

Mr. Gardiner was charged with Falsely Reporting an Incident in the 3rd Degree, Making a punishable false written statement, and Animal Abandonment (all misdemeanors). He was issued an appearance ticket to appear in Hopewell Town Court at a later date. 

He was also charged with Falsely Reporting an Incident in the 3rd degree, based on the call he made to the Ontario County 911 Center. He was issued an appearance ticket to appear in Manchester Town Court at a later date and released. 

Luna remains at the animal shelter and is in good health.