Background

As a member of the Central New York community and owner of Critter Sitters CNY LLC for over 27 years, I am writing to demand Justice for Kylo, a 9-year-old German Shepherd who suffered neglect and abuse under the care of Leah Pekarsky, owner of The Dog Gone Inn in Manlius, NY.

Kylo’s tragic death in October 2025 led to a police investigation that uncovered alarming conditions at the Dog Gone Inn, located at 315 Fayette Street, Manlius, NY. Surveillance footage obtained by Manlius Police revealed that Ms. Pekarsky spent an average of only 46 minutes per day at the facility over a four-day period, leaving numerous animals alone for more than 23 hours a day in filthy, unsafe conditions.

On November 4, 2025, the Village of Manlius Code Enforcement Officer declared the facility unfit for both human and animal occupancy due to severe unsanitary conditions.

This was not an isolated incident. In February 2025, Ms. Pekarsky was arrested and charged with seven counts of animal abandonment (a misdemeanor) and seven counts of failure to provide adequate shelter (a violation) after leaving dogs outside in freezing weather. Police records also show multiple prior complaints of animal neglect and abuse dating back to 2020.

Despite this troubling pattern, Ms. Pekarsky continues to own and operate multiple animal-related businesses, one of them including DGI Paws, a registered 501(c)(3) rescue organization.

According to its mission statement:

“DGI Paws is a 501(c)(3) organization that rescues cats and dogs. We work in conjunction with other rescue organizations, veterinarian offices, shelters, and businesses to save animals. Each animal that we rescue is medically evaluated and temperament tested. We take the necessary steps to find every animal a loving and appropriate home. We perform veterinary and personal reference checks, home visits, and require adoption contracts that stipulate if an adopter cannot keep the animal for any reason, they must return it to us.”

While this mission reflects a commitment to animal welfare, the conditions uncovered at Ms. Pekarsky’s facility stand in direct contradiction to these stated values. Several pets listed as “adoptables” under DGI Paws were confiscated from the Dog Gone Inn property when it was shut down. It remains unclear whether that was the only location where Ms. Pekarsky was housing these adoptable animals, raising additional concerns about the scope of the neglect and the wellbeing of other animals under her care.

Our Petition

We, the undersigned, call for immediate and decisive action to prevent further animal suffering and ensure justice for Kylo. We respectfully urge New York State and local officials to:

Permanently prohibit Leah Pekarsky from owning, operating, or working in any animal care, boarding, or rescue business.

Strengthen licensing and inspection requirements for all animal boarding, daycare, and rescue facilities in New York State.

Increase penalties and enforcement for repeat offenders of animal neglect, abandonment, and abuse.

Provide adequate resources to support humane law enforcement officers and regular facility inspections.

Why This Matters

Animals cannot speak for themselves — it is our duty to be their voice.
The suffering, neglect, and abuse uncovered in this case are heartbreaking and unacceptable. Stronger laws, oversight, and accountability are essential to protect animals from similar harm in the future.

By signing this petition, you are standing up for Kylo and for every animal who has suffered in silence. Together, we can ensure that justice is served and that Central New York becomes a safer, more compassionate community for all living beings.