Coercion Charge Against Animal Control Officer Dropped, Rosie the Dog Available for Adoption

Gilbo was charged in July after Enus Yoder, 40, accused him of misconduct related to an animal cruelty investigation involving Rosie. The Australian shepherd collie mix had suffered severe injuries after getting her leg caught in a sawmill belt in April, which resulted in an amputation funded by donations. Prior to this, Rosie’s owner did not seek veterinary care for her.

Yoder was subsequently charged with animal cruelty by the sheriff's office but later alleged that Gilbo had coerced him by threatening to arrest Yoder’s 16-year-old son if he did not surrender the dog. Gilbo denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he was only trying to help Rosie.

Following protests in support of Gilbo, he appeared in Hopkinton Town Court recently. The court stated that the charge would be dismissed if he commits no further offenses in the next six months. Gilbo's lawyer, Greg LaDuke, emphasized that his client acted in good faith, stating, "He didn’t do anything. He shouldn’t have been charged in the first place. He saved Rosie’s life."

Rosie will not be returned to Yoder; instead, she is free to be adopted after staying at the Potsdam Humane Society since June. The shelter posted on Facebook celebrating the outcome, stating, “HAPPY DAY, HAPPY DAY!...Justice has prevailed for us all.” Gilbo announced that Rosie could be meeting a potential adoptive family soon, which includes a family with another three-legged dog.

Yoder is scheduled to appear in Hopkinton Town Court on December 16 regarding the animal cruelty charge. Meanwhile, Gilbo will continue his work as an animal control officer, expressing his commitment to animal rescue.