OXFORD – A Brooklyn man, from whom the Chenango County Sheriff’s Department seized 77 dogs earlier this month, has been ordered to post a cash bond in the amount of $65,465 for the care of those animals.

In a decision rendered Tuesday by the Town of Oxford Court, Steven W. Fong, 56, of 405 Clinton Ave. in Brooklyn, will have until 4:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5 to post the bond.

If he fails to do so, he will forfeit ownership of the dogs to the Chenango County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

A total of 76 Pomeranians were removed by Sheriff’s Deputies and the SPCA on Oct. 12 from property owned by Fong at 145 Williams Road in Oxford.

The dogs had been kept in a double-wide trailer on the property, under conditions which SPCA Executive Director Carol Hedlund described as “horrific.”

While executing the search warrant, deputies also discovered and removed 13 bags containing the remains of 38 dogs.

The Pomeranians and one pit bull, which was seized when Fong was arrested on Oct. 13, are currently being housed at the SPCA. According to Hedlund, the shelter is the only designated animal impound facility in Chenango County.

Since Fong has refused to sign ownership of the dogs over to the SPCA, Hedlund was prompted to file a civil petition with the court to recoup costs incurred during the first 30 days of care for the animals.