Local Sheriff Calls Out NY Bail Reform After An Emaciated Female Pit Bull Terrier Frozen to Death Found

[Sugar Cookie]

On Saturday, February 1, the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office took to Facebook to share a heartbreaking photo of a deceased pit bull terrier that was discovered inside a home near the Village of Monticello.

The post encouraged anyone with information about the dog to step forward in order to help figure out the circumstances of the dog's death and locate the dog's owner. Over 100 people flooded the comments section of the post condemning the owner of the dog and sending prayers.

Days later on Tuesday, February 4, the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office released new developments and details about this tragic incident.

The Sullivan County Sheriff's Office first shared more details about the discovery of the dog. They write that the discovery was made at an abandoned residence near the Village of Monticello around 6:00 PM on January 30.

They continued with some disturbing details writing, "Deputies found an emaciated brindle color female Pit Bull Terrier frozen to death."

On Monday, February 3rd, a 36-year-old male Monticello resident known as Ronnie Morris was arrested by Sullivan County Sheriff Deputies after Morris admitted to owning the dog. According to the press release, Morris had stopped caring for the dog, known as Nala, in December.

The press release goes on to share that while the 36-year-old was arrested and charged with Aggravated Cruelty and Abandonment of Animals, he was swiftly arraigned and, "released on his own recognizance to appear in court at a later date."

Read More: Sheriff Calls Out NY Bail Reform After Tragic Animal Cruelty Case | https://wpdh.com/sullivan-county-ny-animal-cruelty/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

Spoiler

 

[Sugar Cookie]

On January 30, 2025 Ronnie Morris was arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty for the tortuous death of a female Pit Bull.The dog, named Nala, was found abandoned in a cottage on Cold Spring Road in Monticello, in a crate with no food or water. Temperatures below freezing and no heat contributed to the prolonged and agonizing demise of this beautiful girl.

On January 20, 2026 Ronnie Morris plead guilty to the felony which carries a maximum penalty of two years in jail and a $2,000.00 fine. County Court Judge Stephan Schick sentenced Morris to 45 days.

My heartfelt appreciation to the all involved. First, The Sullivan County Sheriff's Office. Their prompt and dedicated investigation resulted in a swift identification of the defendant. My appreciation to our community for all the calls that came in to report evidence and facts. Your participation was key to this case moving forward. Thank you to our D.A., Brian Conaty and his office for their vigorous and uncompromised commitment to justice for "Nala".

Ronnie Morris is now serving his time in the Sullivan County Jail.

Catskill Animal Rescue Inc.'s Sullivan County NY Lost & Found Pets​