Sex offender charged with animal cruelty in SF

On May 3, 2011 at approx. 7:30 PM, the Seneca Falls Police Department were dispatched to 50 West Bayard Street Apartment 23 for a report of an animal complaint. Upon arrival, the landord stated to police that he has not seen his tenants for the past couple of days and that he was worried about the dog inside the apartment. When police entered the apartment they discovered a small Jack Russell Terrier tied to a five gallon bucket on an approx. two foot leash in the kitchen of the residence. Police then observed that the dog was covered in its own feces and urine and that there was no food or water left for the animal.The Dog Control Officer was then contacted and responded to the scene. The Dog Control Officer took the animal and was advised by police that if the owners returned for the animal to not release it to them. Statements were then taken on scene by witnesses and the owners were then contacted. While speaking with the owners on the phone they stated that they were out of town and that they were coming back later in the week.On May 6, 2011 at approx. 8:00 PM the owners of the Jack Russell Terrier, Carolyn J. Johnston age 62, and Felix C. McElory, age 49 (a Registered Level 3 Sex Offender), came back from out of town and responded directly to the Police Department. At the office the suspects declined to give a statement and requested a lawyer. It is alledged that Johnston and McElory left there animal at their apartment on May 1, 2011 around 5:00 AM and then returned back to Seneca Falls on May 6th. Both were then charged with NYS Agriculture and Markets Law, Dog Abandonment and Failure to Provide Proper Food and Water to an Impounded Animal, as well as a Village Code Ordinance of Unlicensed Dog.McElory and Johnston were then arraigned at the Town of Seneca Falls Court in front of Judge Mahoney where they were both committed to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $2,500 cash bail $5,000.00 ins. bond. Both have to return to court on May 25, 2011 at 9:00 AM.