Hilary Davis sentenced to prison for repeated probation violations

PLATTSBURGH | Former dog rescue owner Hilary Davis has been sentenced to two-to-six years in prison for repeatedly violating the terms of probation relating to one of the worst animal neglect cases in county history. The Clinton County District Attorney's Office said Davis, 57, of Peru, was sentenced Oct. 15 by the Hon. William A. Favreau. In March 2024, the Clinton County Sheriff's Office arrested Davis on more than 50 charges after an investigation into her operation of the former animal rescue A Canine Gem in Beekmantown. The charges arose from allegations that Davis failed to provide proper care, shelter, and sustenance to numerous dogs in her facility and knowingly forged documents related to animals in her custody. In January 2025, following multiple court appearances, Davis was sentenced to five years of felony probation. As part of her sentence, she was ordered to pay fines, surcharges, and restitution to both the Elmore SPCA and the Clinton County Sheriff's Office. Probation conditions further required her to remain within Clinton County; refrain from owning, harboring, or having custody or control of any animals except for a small, pre‑approved list of companion animals; properly care for those approved animals; and refrain from breeding, selling, adopting out, or facilitating the adoption of any animal. On March 14, 2026, Davis committed her first violation of probation when she traveled to Vermont without permission and sold two dogs from her approved companion‑animal list. A legally authorized search of her residence on March 26, uncovered additional violations. Investigators found all remaining approved companion animals—minus one reported deceased—as well as 12 unapproved dogs and three unapproved cats in her home. Despite these violations, on June 24, during a court appearance where Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Manning requested remand, the Court released Davis with a return date of Aug. 20. On Aug. 7, Davis was charged with a second probation violation after she was found to have rented a camper in Essex County for roughly a month and again left the jurisdiction without permission, leaving up to eight dogs inside the camper for extended periods—up to 12 hours at a time—raising further concerns regarding animal welfare and compliance with court‑ordered restrictions. Davis appeared in Clinton County Court on Aug. 10, where the Court, upon review of the repeated and escalating violations, remanded her to the Clinton County Jail. On Oct. 15, Davis was transported to Clinton County Court for sentencing on the probation violations. Davis appeared before the court where defense attorney Nicholas Evanovich argued for a sentence of local incarceration. Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Manning requested a state prison sentence, noting that, "Throughout the entirety of this case's proceedings, the defendant has acted as though she is above the law. That is why her actions leading to these violations are so egregious and unacceptable." In issuing its decision, the Court found it particularly troubling that Davis had already been found in violation of her probation and nevertheless continued to engage in the conduct that resulted in the second violation. Judge Favreau revoked Davis's term of probation and resentenced her to two to six years in the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision on the underlying felony forgery conviction. Davis also received the maximum one‑year jail sentences on all four counts of animal abuse to run concurrently, with all previously imposed fines, fees, surcharges, and restitution reimposed. The Court further reinstated a 10‑year prohibition on owning or possessing animals, with the limited exception of the previously approved companion animals. "Probation is a privilege that allows individuals the chance to demonstrate responsibility and follow the law," District Attorney Andrew Wylie said. "Ms. Davis was given that opportunity but repeatedly violated those conditions. After reviewing the full extent of her actions, the Court determined that incarceration was appropriate. Our office respects that decision and remains committed to enforcing probation requirements and safeguarding animal welfare in Clinton County."

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Hilary Davis sentenced to prison for repeated probation violations

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