Elmira, New York – According to the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office, a small dog was force fed coins and thumbtacks for several months. The authorities issued a public release about the cruelty case on November 13, noting that three people are now facing charges related to the incident.
The agency announced the arrest of those involved:
On November 12, 2025, the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office arrested TRACEY R. ITJEN, age 30, of Elmira and DOUGLAS J. ITJEN, age 69, and DARLENE ITJEN, age 67, both of Big Flats.
Recounting how a tip led to the arrests:
The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office received a tip from the Chemung County Probation Department about possible animal abuse that had occurred on Antler Road in the Town of Big Flats. During the course of the investigation, the Deputy learned that TRACEY R. ITJEN had force fed a small dog several coins and thumbtacks over a period of time from June 2025 to October 2025.
Charges are as follows:
Tracey R. Itjen, for Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, a Felony. Tracey R. Itjen is currently being held at the Chemung County Jail for Violation of Probation and was issued an appearance ticket to appear in Big Flats Town Court at a later date. Upon investigation, Douglas J. Itjen and Darlene Itjen were both arrested for Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals and Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance, a Class A Misdemeanor.
Southern Tier Animal Control removed three dogs from the Big Flats residence. On Friday, the agency provided an update for those concerned about them, writing:
This message is pertaining to the three dogs that we took in for the cruelty arrests in Big Flats…we can’t disclose much because it is a open case, but the dogs are all in good spirit and settling in…they will get the best care while at our Shelter 😊
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