L.I. Dog Shelter Owner Takes Law Into Own Hands

OCEANSIDE, NY (WCBS 880) - Diane Indelicato stood outside her Ruff House animal shelter in Oceanside, Long Island - holding photos of the two purebred dogs that she says came into her shelter very neglected.

LISTEN: WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reports

"They were so matted together that they couldn't even fully, like, turn their heads," Indelicato said to WCBS 880 reporter Sophia Hall.

Police say when the owner of the shih tzu and maltipoo tried to claim the dogs, Indelicato refused and, instead, took the pets to New Jersey and put them up for adoption.

Indelicato says nobody gave her proof of ownership and the dogs should be at a good home, not be abused.

Indelicato says, "It wasn't about money."

She has been charged with criminal possession of stolen property.