Sign: Woman Seals Caged Dog in Closet with Spray Foam; Pet Dies Alone

Published: July 28, 2025 at 06:31 PM Author: Penny Eims

Utica, New York – A 30-year-old Utica woman is facing a charge of aggravated abuse to an animal after she left her dog to die a slow, painful death in a sealed closet. According to the Utica Police Department, Anaiya Harris not only moved out of her home, leaving her pet behind, but she put the dog in a cage, placed the cage in a closet, and then sealed the closet door with spray foam.

The diabolical act of cruelty was discovered on June 5 by Harris’ former landlord, who told investigators that his tenant had left the home on the 600 block of Lenox Avenue weeks before the dog was found. The police report states:

“As he was attempting to survey the apartment, he noticed that the previous tenant had locked the dog in the cage inside a closet, then locked the closet door and sealed the door with spray foam.”

Leaving a dog behind when moving out of a home is horrible enough. But to cage that dog up in a closet that has been sealed closed – preventing anyone from hearing his cries for help – is truly sadistic. Harris intentionally took steps to ensure her dog could not escape and that nobody would hear his desperate cries.

Without question, Harris’ dog suffered immensely; dying from dehydration and starvation is a prolonged and excruciating process. It means enduring days of unbearable thirst, with organs slowly shutting down as the body struggles to survive without water. The pain of hunger becomes constant and gnawing, weakening the dog until it can no longer move. As the body breaks down its muscle and fat to stay alive, the dog experiences confusion, dizziness, and ultimately a quiet, devastating collapse. It is a slow, terrifying death marked by suffering that no animal should ever have to endure.

Please add your name to the petition to ensure Anaiya Harris receives the MAXIMUM sentence for her aggravated animal cruelty charge!

Representative image

Target: Oneida County District Attorney

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, demand that Anaiya Harris be held accountable for the pain and suffering she subjected her dog to. Harris intentionally abandoned her dog, taking steps to ensure that the dog could not escape and that nobody would hear her pet’s cries for help. Laws must recognize the actual seriousness of animal abuse and ensure that those who commit these cruel acts are held fully accountable.

Research has consistently shown a strong link between animal cruelty and human violence. Individuals who commit such heinous acts against animals often pose a threat to society as a whole, as animal abuse is frequently a precursor to other violent crimes. Failing to hold this woman accountable not only denies justice to her dog, who suffered immensely and died, but also endangers the community at large. We must send a clear message that such cruelty will not be tolerated.

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

News:

Daily Sentinel

WKTV

Newport Dispatch

Update 1/9/2026: Defendant Aniya Harris (Case #IND-70882-25/001) has pled guilty to Count 1: Aggravated Cruelty, a Class E felony. At this time, she has not entered a plea to Count 2: Torture, Injury, or Failure to Feed an Animal, which remains a misdemeanor charge. Sentencing is scheduled for: Judge: Robert Bauer Date: February 13, 2026 – Time: 9:30 AM. We will continue to monitor this case closely and provide updates as they become available.

Update 12/22/2025: The next appearance for Anaiya Harris, Case #IND-70882-25/001, is February 13, 2026, at 9:30 AM at the Oneida County Court before Judge Robert Bauer.

Update 11/04/2025: The next appearance for Anaiya Harris, Case #IND-70882-25/001, is December 19, 2025, at 10:30 AM before Judge Robert Bauer.

Update 10/06/2025: The next appearance for Anaiya Harris, Case #IND-70882-25/001, is October 31, 2025, before Judge Robert Bauer at 9:30 AM.

Update 9/22/2025: The next hearing for Defendant Anaiya Harris is 10/3/2025 at 9:30 before Judicial Officer Judge Bauer. This is a status/discovery hearing for case #IND-70822-25.

Update 9/8/2025: Harris has been indicted by a grand jury on a felony charge, according to Oneida County Court officials; she is scheduled to return to court Friday, Oct. 3.

Update 9/2/2025: If Harris is indicted, the case will then proceed to County Court, where a different prosecutor will be assigned to handle it. 

Update 8/22/2025: The next hearing is scheduled for September 11, 2025. It is a status update with the Judge and court staff to assess whether the case is ready for a Grand Jury indictment. If the Grand Jury indicts Harris, the case may then transfer to the County criminal court. For updates regarding the Grand Jury indictment after September 11, 2025, please get in touch with Utica City Court at 315-266-4600.

Update 8/14/2025: Anaiya Harris Case #CR 03694-25. Harris was arraigned on 06/30/2025 and pled guilty to aggravated animal cruelty – an e-felony. Her pre-trial was held on July 24, 2025, and her next hearing is scheduled for August 21, 2025. She was released on her recognizance rather than having to post bond, and she was trying to find out which ADA from Oneida County is handling her case.