December 30, 2009

Remembering Fae

In a tragic twist of fate, Fae, one of the most severely abused dogs confiscated during July's multi-state dog fighting raid, passed away this week after undergoing her third round of reconstructive surgery.

Fae, whose face was disfigured as the result of dog fighting, had been under the devoted care of her foster mother, Gale Frey, founder of the St. Louis-based Pit Bull rescue group Mutts-n-Stuff. After a lifetime of abuse, Fae was finally receiving the love and attention she rightly deserved. Fae was on her way to becoming a therapy dog, and was in training to start Canine Good Citizen^® classes.

Members of the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Team, which participated in Fae's rescue during the largest federal crackdown on dog fighting in U.S. history, felt a deep connection to her. "From the first instant I met Fae, I knew she was special and that I would never forget her," says ASPCA Special Agent Kristi Adams. "On the outside, her injuries represented the awfulness of dog fighting, but her unwavering love of humans, despite her many years of abuse, became an inspiration for many of us on the team."

"Fae was a symbol of strength and resilience," explains Kristen Limbert, ASPCA Manager of Field Response. "But most importantly, she was an individual. An amazing dog who seemed to want nothing more than to move beyond her past and experience the kind of happy life she should have had all along."

The ASPCA conveys our deepest condolences to Gale, the staff of Mutts-n-Stuff, and to everyone who was touched by Fae's tragic, yet deeply moving story.

December 22, 2009

ASPCA Investigation Leads to the Rescue of Nearly 600 Cats

On November 16, a team of animal welfare professionals—comprised of members from the ASPCA, the City of Labelle Animal Control, the Humane Society of the United States and the University of Florida Shelter Medicine Program—in conjunction with the Hendry County Sheriff’s office, conducted an assessment of conditions at the 10th Life Animal Sanctuary in Clewiston, Florida. The situation was deemed unsatisfactory and with the owner’s consent, a team of more than 75 responders, including members of the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Team, removed nearly 600 cats from the premises.

Owned by Maury Swee, 10th Life Sanctuary took in hundreds cats from across the country. Swee widely advertised the “sanctuary” as providing “life-long care for sick and unwanted cats in a stress free environment"—charging a $550 intake fee per cat. According to local and national news reports, the cats, ranging in age from kittens to seniors, were found living in severely overcrowded indoor and outdoor wire mesh pens. Food and water were scarce and many of the animals were deathly malnourished and emaciated. The felines were also suffering from a host of ailments, including upper respiratory infections and chronic mouth ulcers. Many were also infected with the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). Dozens of the cats were in need of urgent medical care—some so ill, humane euthanasia was necessary.

A team of veterinarians from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, an ASPCA partner, treated the cats onsite, giving them complete health exams. The animals were treated for parasites and various illnesses, tested for Feline Aids and Leukemia, vaccinated and microchipped. Once in stable condition, the animals were transferred to rescue agencies across the state where they are currently being placed up for adoption. Many of the cats are feral and require special placement with carefully managed colonies.

In response to the grave situation, the ASPCA awarded an $8,000 grant for medical expenses, housing and supplies to the University of Florida and a $5,000 grant to the City of LaBelle Animal Control. The investigation is still underway.

December 21, 2009

ASPCA Expert Testimony Helps Convict Puppy Mill Owner

On December 18, the trial of puppy mill operator Patricia Adkisson came to a victorious close. Charged with hoarding hundreds of animals at her Lyles, Tennessee home, Adkisson was found guilty on 32 counts, including 14 felonies and 18 misdemeanors. Charges included felony aggravated animal cruelty, misdemeanor animal cruelty, unlawful transport of dogs and giving rabies vaccines without proper certification. She was fined $55,100. Helping to seal the conviction was expert testimony from the ASPCA’s leading forensics veterinarian, Dr. Melinda Merck and the Northeast Director of the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Team, Jeff Eyre.

Back in June 2008, in what would later be described as Tennessee's largest-ever puppy mill raid, members of the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Team along with our Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit were deployed to the Pine Bluff Kennels. Nearly 750 animals, including 200 puppies, were removed from the 92-acre operation. The dogs were kept in feces-encrusted, unventilated pens with little or no food or water, and matting, sores, broken limbs, hernias and abscesses were prevalent. Other animals including horses, burros, chickens, goats, parrots and purebred cats were also seized.

“This was one of the worst situations I have ever seen,” explains Merck. “Animals were in extreme states of neglect and illness. Some were dead. The overcrowding, the unsanitary conditions, the flea and parasite infestation, as well as the stress of competing for food and coping with untreated illnesses—all were severe.”

The sentencing hearing is set for February 16, 2010.

Check out video on the case here and stay tuned to ASPCA.org for updates on this developing story.

December 16, 2009

DNA Links Brooklyn Man to Cat's Beating

On December 10, Brooklyn resident Lordtyshon Garrett, 31, was arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty by ASPCA Special Agents for allegedly beating his mother’s 9-pound cat, Madea, with an umbrella.

The incident took place on October 12 in the home of Garrett's mother-in-law, Deborah Bender, where the suspect and his wife were temporarily staying. Bender claims the cat beating was in response to her telling Garrett to “find a job and move out.”

In a state of fury, Garret took the 4-year-old, Domestic Shorthair into the bathroom shower, closed the door and turned on the water. When Madea was finally released, she was soaked and her breathing was labored. Despite her obviously strained condition, Garret proceeded to chase the frightened cat around the apartment, while repeatedly jabbing and beating her with an umbrella.

Soon after the incident, Bender rushed the cat to the vet's office where she was humanely euthanized due to the severity of her injuries. Bender, then promptly contacted the ASPCA for help.

While working the crime scene, ASPCA investigators found pieces of black plastic from the umbrella in the cat's litter box and located the cat-scratched umbrella which contained Madea's DNA. This evidence was vital in the prosecution of Garret and is the second time the ASPCA has used animal DNA to solve a case.

Garret was arraigned in Brooklyn Criminal Court on December 11, where he is currently being held in lieu of $3,500 bail. He could face up to two years in jail.

If you know of an animal who is being hurt, please report it—those who intentionally hurt animals may move on to abuse the people in their lives. To report animal cruelty in New York City, call the ASPCA’s tip line at (877) THE-ASPCA. Visit our Report Cruelty FAQ to learn how to report cruelty elsewhere.

December 11, 2009

Get Active for Animals in 2010

10 Ways to Support the ASPCA

For more than 140 years, ASPCA supporters have been essential in our efforts to end animal cruelty and serve as a trusted resource for pet parents. Whether you’re a member of the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade, an ASPCA monthly donor or an active volunteer for animals in your community, the ASPCA appreciates your determination to make our world a better place for all living beings.

But our work is far from over—we still need your help! Below are 10 easy and effective ways you can support the ASPCA and make a difference for animals in need.

Be the ASPCA’s “friend” on social networks like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. This simple action will spread the ASPCA’s mission to your friends, and their friends, and their friends, and so on! Plus, these networks are a great way for you to give us instant feedback, and we can respond to you just as quickly.

Sign up for ASPCA Mobile Alerts. By registering for mobile text messaging, you can receive weekly pet care tips and be alerted to pending humane legislation when urgent action is required.

“Regift the Fruitcake!” Bake a virtual fruitcake and send it off to your friends and family for a creative way to help raise funds for your charity of choice—the ASPCA, of course!

Join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade. Fight to get strong anti-cruelty laws passed on federal, state and local levels as a member of our Advocacy Brigade (1.4 million advocates strong!). Sign up to receive periodic emails asking you to contact your legislators about laws that impact animals.

Help animals in your community. Got time to give? Local shelters are often in need of volunteers—from walking dogs to socializing cats, hosting a fundraiser or putting your handyman skills to work, your time is precious to your community’s homeless pets.

Give an ASPCA Honor Gift. The ASPCA Honor Gift is a wonderful way to celebrate—and give the gift of life for animals in need! Whether it’s your best friend’s birthday or your sister’s wedding, you can make a donation to the ASPCA in honor of the special day.

Become an ASPCA Ambassador and fundraise for animals. ASPCA Ambassadors create their own grassroots events and invite friends and family to become sponsors on behalf of the ASPCA. These efforts will help us end animal cruelty and find permanent, loving homes for America’s adoptable pets.

Learn how to report animal cruelty. One of the best things you can do to help animals in your community is to keep a list of people who can help you report animal cruelty. If you aren’t sure where to report cruelty in your state, visit our Report Animal Cruelty section at ASPCA.org.

Shop the ASPCA Online Store. Make a difference by buying pet care products, books, accessories and stylish apparel from the ASPCA Online Store—all proceeds from your purchase go to support ASPCA programs!

Send email using a “replyforall” signature. Raise money simply by using your email account! Each time you send an email using your personalized replyforall email signature, the ASPCA receives a donation—and you raise much-needed awareness for the cause of animal welfare.

November 17, 2009

Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals Issues Statement About ASPCA’s Decision to Euthanize Oreo

NEW YORK, NY (November 17, 2009)—The Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals today issued a statement from Jane Hoffman, President of the Alliance, in response to criticism of the ASPCA's (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) decision to euthanize Oreo, a dog who survived being thrown from a rooftop only to ultimately be deemed behaviorally unsound for placement.

Oreo sustained two broken legs and a fractured rib in the incident, which took place last June 18. She was treated for her injuries at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, and her owner, Fabian Henderson, was arrested by ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents. His sentencing is scheduled for December 1.

“In our collective sorrow that the ASPCA’s heroic, expensive and five-month long effort to save Oreo the dog was ultimately unsuccessful, many seem to have lost sight of the enormous and vital programs supported by the ASPCA, which have saved thousands and thousands of animal lives in NYC and across the country,” said Hoffman.

“Calling on animal lovers and ASPCA supporters to stop donating to the ASPCA is short-sighted and not the way to honor Oreo’s memory,” she added. “This will, in fact, result in an enormous number of animal deaths – not a result that true animal lovers would desire.

“Please keep in mind what Ed Sayres, President of the ASPCA, and the organization have accomplished for animals when weighing what some consider a tragic decision about one dog.

“In 2005, the ASPCA committed $5 million to New York City’s homeless animals, enabling the Mayor’s Alliance to secure a $25 million multi-year Maddie’s Fund grant, which is powering our collective efforts to make NYC a no-kill city by 2015, a goal that we are well on our way to achieving. In 2009, fewer than 4,500 dogs and 9,000 cats will be euthanized at Animal Care & Control of NYC (AC&C of NYC), down from more than 12,000 dogs and close to 20,000 cats in 2002.

“That is a lot of animal lives saved.

“The ASPCA operates five mobile spay/neuter clinics in all five boroughs, seven days a week, serving low-income New Yorkers and the NYC rescue community, which includes free-roaming and feral cat caregivers.  This year alone, the ASPCA’s mobile clinics have delivered more than 30,000 spay/neuter surgeries, preventing the births (and deaths) of untold number of dogs and cats.

“That is a lot of animal lives saved.

“The ASPCA assists AC&C of NYC by accepting the transfer of more than 1,000 cats and dogs each year and about 3,800 animals from other organizations and members of the public who can no longer take care of their pets.  All of these cats and dogs are vetted and cared for until they are adopted into loving homes. In 2009, close to 4,000 cats and dogs will be adopted at the ASPCA Adoption Center. This directly reduces the number of cats and dogs euthanized at AC&C of NYC.

“That is a lot of animal lives saved.

“The ASPCA has a dedicated Humane Law Enforcement Department that investigates more than 5,000 cases of animal cruelty in New York City each year. 

“That is a lot of animal lives saved.

“The ASPCA worked closely with federal authorities at every step of the case against Michael Vick, assisting in the investigation itself and later leading the team that conducted behavior evaluations of the seized dogs, allowing those dogs to be placed at Best Friends and other sanctuaries.  The ASPCA also conducted behavior assessments of more than 100 dogs that were potentially subject to breed bans at Marine Corps housing in South Carolina and New York in an effort to make sure that dogs and their families could stay together.

“That is a lot of animal lives saved.

“The ASPCA routinely participates in puppy mill and dog fighting raids across the country, and this past summer assisted in the removal, care and behavior evaluation of 500 dogs rescued from the largest dog fighting raid in U.S. history, which covered eight states.  To date this year, the ASPCA has rescued hundreds more dogs, cats and other animals from puppy mills and crisis situations in such states as Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

“That is a lot of animal lives saved.

“Last but not least, the ASPCA awards grants to animal welfare and rescue organizations nationwide, resulting in millions of dollars annually to support the welfare of companion animals, horses, and farm animals, and programs like spay/neuter, disaster relief, and education, among others.

“That is a lot of animal lives saved.

“Please honor Oreo’s memory by visiting one of the three AC&C Animal Care Centers or the ASPCA Adoption Center, or any one of the 160 Mayor’s Alliance partner rescue groups or shelters and adopting one or more of the many wonderful animals anxiously waiting for new homes.  Save one of those lives.

“For the sake of the animals—in your sorrow and anger over a tragedy—do not throw the baby out with the bathwater. The ASPCA deserves and needs your support.”

November 17, 2009

Letter to the Editor About Oreo From PETA

Dear Ed,
 
I hope this finds you well. Please find below the letter we sent to “City Room” today in support of the ASPCA’s difficult decision to euthanize Oreo, the pit bull who was thrown from a rooftop and suffered broken bones and a broken spirit. We are grateful that she had such caring people with her at the end of her pitiful life, ensuring a peaceful release from a world that clearly betrayed her.
 
Thank you and your staff for being strong and doing the right thing for Oreo—even though it’s unquestionably the most difficult thing for those who care. Very best,
 
Daphna Nachminovitch, Vice-President
Cruelty Investigations Department
PETA.org

To the Editor:
 
The nice-sounding but damaging “no-kill” movement exposes its lunacy by attacking an agency (the ASPCA) that took in an aggressive pit bull named Oreo from extreme abuse, paid to fix her two broken legs, and then, when she turns out to be far too dangerous and unpredictable around people, affords her a peaceful and dignified exit from the world that has miserably failed her (“Oreo is Dead,” Nov. 13).
 
Leading the critics is Camille Hankins, the Director of Win Animal Rights, who was convicted of cruelty to animals in 1995 when nearly 100 animals were found stuffed into a tiny, filthy trailer rented by Hankins. Many of the animals found there were dying from contagious illnesses and many were literally scratching themselves to death and had bloody, seeping wounds from severe untreated mange infestations. Two cats removed by police from Hankins during the service of a search and seizure warrant were treated successfully and lived at PETA’s headquarters for more than 10 years (you can read the details of the case here: http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/4612/NC/US/).
 
The only humane way to achieve a “no kill” nation is to create a “no birth” nation by mandating spaying and neutering of dogs and cats to stop the flow of unwanted litters into our nation’s shelters.  We also need to penalize those who fail to act responsibly toward animals. In the meantime, those who make the toughest decisions, who have to euthanize animals for want of a proper home, and so carry out the hardest work of all, deserve respect and gratitude, not criticism. Learn more at helpinganimals.com.
 
Sincerely,
 
Teresa Lynn Chagrin
Animal Care & Control Specialist
PETA|501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone 410-227-9456

November 16, 2009

Letter to the ASPCA about Oreo from the American Pit Bull Terrier Association Inc.

Dear Mr Sayres

An email has just arrived encouraging me to express my anger and distress at your decision to euthanise Oreo.

However, I am not angry with you or the ASPCA.  My anger is aimed where it belongs and that is toward the psychopath who so abused that sad little dog.  Some dogs are so damaged by such trauma that they are never safe wherever you put them. Social isolation for a dog is a form of cruelty and therefore plainly not an option.

It is heartbreaking that Oreo has been dealt such an awful hand, as Pit Bulls so often are largely due to the media and political hype that so often attracts such unstable and dangerous individuals to the breed.  Shame on them for persisting with such hype despite the very obvious and all too common fallout from it, particularly since it is so undeserved.

Your staff obviously suffer each time the battle is lost for such tragic cases.

Those of us who know and love Pit Bulls are very grateful that your organisation has made such enormous efforts to rescue not just abused Pit Bulls but also their unfairly damaged reputation with your Adopt-a-Bull programme and the information you have placed on your website to educate the public about the breed.

It is heartening to see that your people are prepared to re-home these dogs where possible and give them a chance at the life they deserve.  Hopefully your enlightened views and example of best practice will be followed around the world and we can see an end to the nightmare life so often suffered by the loyal Pit Bulldog.

Kind Regards
Karen Batchelor
American Pit Bull Terrier Association Inc.
New Zealand. 

November 6, 2009

Memphis County City Shelter Raided—ASPCA Assists with Investigation

Early on Tuesday, October 27, Memphis County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant of the City of Memphis Animal Shelter at the request of the Shelby County District Attorney General's Office. Officers investigating allegations of animal cruelty found more than 200 dogs and cats living in substandard conditions—many had been deprived of food and water. The ASPCA was called in to assist with forensic evidence collection and analysis, as well as facilitate the rescue and veterinary care of animals at the shelter.

After receiving tips from concerned residents regarding the conditions at the facility, Memphis District Attorney General Bill Gibbons requested an investigation by the Sheriff's Office. According to the search warrant, some of the dogs "are involved in court cases involving dog fighting and have been marked 'Hold for Court.'" The search warrant also indicated that some of the employees broke health codes by keeping dogs quarantined for rabies with dogs that are not required to be quarantined in the same kennel. In addition, the warrant reported unsanitary conditions, overcrowding and "vicious and sick" animals being housed along with other pets.

The ASPCA is collecting evidence for the prosecution of the possible criminal case, as well as lending the services of its special forensic cruelty investigation team, comprised of disaster animal rescuers, field service investigators, Dr. Melinda Merck, the nation's premier forensic veterinarian and Kathryn Destreza, Chief Humane Officer for Louisiana SPCA and Contract Investigator for the ASPCA. During the initial stages of the investigation, local veterinarians and volunteers from American Humane Association staffed the shelter.

"Animal cruelty and neglect must not be tolerated, and we are proud to lend our support to Shelby County law enforcement," said ASPCA President & CEO, Ed Sayres. "Work like this is central to our mission, and the ASPCA is gratified that Shelby County is raising its voice against animal cruelty."

Please check back with www.aspca.org for updates on the case.

October 29, 2009

Nearly 50 Severely Starved Dogs Rescued from Suspected Jasper County Puppy Mill

On October 23, under the authority and request of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department, the ASPCA dispatched members of its Field Investigation and Response Team to assist in the investigation of a puppy mill operating in Bay Springs, Mississippi. 46 dogs were removed from the kennels and taken to a temporary shelter by the local animal cruelty investigator and the Sheriff’s dept. Most of the dogs were severely emaciated and suffered from a range of ailments including skin disease, rotted teeth, fur matted with urine and feces and various infections. Several of the dogs needed emergency veterinary care.

Highly skilled in evidence collection and case management, the ASPCA Field Investigation and Response Team provided the local organizations with the tools and resources needed to conduct a thorough investigation. A local veterinarian, Dr. Wayne Adams, conducted veterinary exams on each animal and triaged any immediate needs.

Richard Stockman, the owner of the kennels, reported that his mother had run the business for over a decade until suffering from a stroke five years ago. It was at that time Stockman took over full responsibility for the operation. Stockman immediately signed over 46 of the most critical dogs to Sally Langley, who works as an animal cruelty investigator with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department and provides animal control services for the area. According to Jasper County Sheriff Kenneth Cross, Stockman was cited, but not arrested, though further charges may follow.

Our team of investigators collected evidence for possible prosecution of the criminal case and provided for the animals’ immediate needs," says ASPCA Senior Vice President of Anti-Cruelty, Matt Bershadker. "Animal cruelty is unacceptable, and we are doing everything we can to lend our support to this critical operation. We applaud Sheriff Cross for pursuing this case and recognizing the severity of the complaint."

The dogs are currently recuperating at the Oxford Lafayette Humane Society and will soon be made available for adoption. Special thanks to Tailwaggers for Life for providing crates, supplies and personnel during the raid, as well as transportation for the dogs.

October 21, 2009

Award Goes to ASPCA Forensic Vet for Work on Vick Investigation

In an unprecedented moment in animal welfare history, Dr. Melinda Merck, ASPCA Senior Director of Veterinary Forensics, received the National Asset Forfeiture Award from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Honored at the 2009 Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and Asset Forfeiture Program National Leadership Conference, Dr. Merck was presented with the Outstanding Investigation or Case Award for her forensics work in the investigation of Michael Vick’s Bad Newz Kennels—work that helped to produce evidence that led to a guilty plea.

“This is the first time an animal-related agency has received such an award or recognition,” says ASPCA President & CEO, Ed Sayres. “It was a great opportunity to show that pursuing animal crime cases can produce important results in drug investigations.”

Dr. Merck assisted in the recovery and analysis of forensic evidence from Vick’s property, including carcasses and skeletal remains of numerous Pit Bulls. The evidence helped to convict Vick of operating a competitive dog fighting ring, a federal offense that resulted in a prison term for Vick and three co-defendants. Vick was also ordered to pay restitution of $928,073 to the United States Government for expenses related to the interim and long term care of the Pit Bulls seized from his property.

The award ceremony had over 1,500 attendees, including prosecutors, U.S. attorneys and criminal investigators who have worked on the biggest drug and organized crime cases in our country.

Read about the forensics work of Dr. Melinda Merck.

October 13, 2009

77 Rescued Arabian Horses Aided by ASPCA

On August 14, the Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT) assisted the Denton County Sheriff’s Office in the seizure of 77 emaciated Egyptian Arabian horses, all living on the Renazans Arabians ranch in Pilot Point, TX. The ASPCA, upon learning about the case, awarded a $10,000 grant to HSNT to help care for the rescued equines.

A few days prior to the seizure, a visitor to the 40-plus acre ranch discovered 17 starved horses standing in several inches of their own waste and immediately called the Denton County Sheriff’s Department. Upon arrival, officers found 60 more neglected horses scattered around the property, in back pastures and locked in barns. In addition to being starved, the horses suffered from soft, overgrown and split hooves and sores from lying in their own waste.

“The Humane Society of North Texas has shown an extraordinary commitment and dedication to animals in its community, and this instance is no exception,” says Julie Morris, ASPCA Senior Vice President of Community Outreach. “We are glad to be able to provide them with support in their time of need.”

The funds will also be used to aid the group’s ongoing equine and livestock investigations and rescues—over the past 18 months, HSNT has taken in more than 500 abused and neglected horses. HSNT’s successful adoption program has placed nearly all of these rescued horses into permanent, caring homes.

“The rescued horses have been healing and gaining weight," reports Samantha Laos, a supervisor with HSNT. "They are calm and happy and not scared anymore."

The owner of Renazans Arabians, Gordon Dennis Key, 66, has been arrested and charged with one count of animal cruelty. He could eventually face 77 counts—one for each horse—with each charge carrying a jail sentence of up to one year and a fine of up to $4,000. Key was also ordered to turn over all documentation for the horses and pay $5,000 in court costs, as well as all expenses for caring for the animals during their impound. He is currently free on $10,000 bail.

The horses are currently up for adoption through a unique online adoption event; visit www.hsnt.org for more information.

October 6, 2009

Severe Neglect of Kittens Leads to Brooklyn Man’s Arrest

In late August, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) received a tip that several cats in a Brooklyn, NY, home were in need of medical attention. HLE Special Investigator Diane DiGiacomo visited the home, where resident Richard Manmarino cooperated by bringing all five of his cats—two adults and three kittens—to the front door for visual inspection. While the adult cats appeared to be in decent health, the kittens were all severely dehydrated, emaciated and infested with fleas. After Manmarino agreed to sign custody of the kittens over to the ASPCA, Agent DiGiacomo immediately brought them to the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for medical evaluations.

ASPCA veterinarians rated the sick, underweight kittens “4”s on a condition-rating scale of 1 to 5, 1 being the best (healthy) and 5 being the worst (critical). Among other treatments, all three received life-saving blood transfusions to treat blood loss anemia, a dangerous condition that was the result of having been fed on by fleas. Named Sunny, Vaughn and Klaus by hospital staff, the 5-month-old kittens are now on the road to recovery and are expected to soon be made available for adoption.

Without medical care, the kittens would have died—and failure to provide adequate veterinary care can be a cruelty offense in New York State. On September 19, Manmarino was arrested and charged with three counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. If convicted, he could be fined and sentenced to up to two years in jail.

If you know of an animal whose health is being compromised by neglect, please report it. Visit our Report Cruelty FAQ to learn how to report cruelty in your neighborhood.

Do you Twitter? Use this hashtag to tweet on this article: @aspca and #KittenArrest

September 25, 2009

Cat Survives Kick in Face with Steel-Toe Boot

On September 14, Bronx resident Ronald Ross, 33, was arrested by ASPCA Special Agent Adam Gankiewicz and charged with felony animal cruelty for allegedly kicking his mother’s cat, Meow, in the face.

According to Ross’s mother, the incident occurred on the morning of August 21, when after searching the apartment for her missing cat, she found Meow hiding under her son’s bed—her face traumatized. When confronted about the cat's condition, her son reportedly laughed before admitting to kicking the cat repeatedly in the face with his steel-toe boots. The woman rushed Meow to ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where the cat was treated for injuries, including several broken teeth and a ruptured eye that was surgically removed.

Following the attack, the Bronx District Attorney filed a restraining order against Ross on behalf of his mother, who subsequently had the locks of her apartment changed. Under these conditions, Meow returned home where she is now recuperating.

Ross was indicted by a Bronx grand jury on charges of felony aggravated animal cruelty and misdemeanor animal cruelty, which is a lesser offense. If convicted, he could face up to two years in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Stacy Wolf, Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel for ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement, applauded the swift action of the grand jury in indicting Ross on multiple counts in this case. “Inflicting such severe injury on a helpless cat signals the potential for violence directed at other vulnerable victims, including human family members. Serious criminal sanctions are a vital tool in the fight against these vicious crimes.”

If you know of an animal who is being hurt, please report it—those who intentionally hurt animals may move on to abuse the people in their lives. To report animal cruelty in New York City, call the ASPCA’s tip line at (877) THE-ASPCA. Visit our Report Cruelty FAQ to learn how to report cruelty elsewhere.

Read more about ASPCA Arrests.

Do you Twitter? Use this hashtag to tweet on this article: @aspca and #CatSurvivesDeadlyKick

September 22, 2009

NYC Taxi Plows Into Hansom Cab—Horse Bolts Into Traffic

This past Saturday, an out of control yellow cab crashed into a horse-drawn carriage, flipping it onto its side, before slamming into a four-foot stone wall. The incident took place on 60th Street and Fifth Avenue across from the Plaza Hotel. The carriage driver was tossed out of the carriage, sustaining minor injuries, and according to witnesses, the startled carriage horse, named Blackie, broke free of his reins and took off into busy Manhattan traffic. The horse was eventually caught and taken to the Clinton Park Stables on W. 52nd Street.

ASPCA Special Agents Paul Vais and Ann Kelly arrived at the stables soon after the incident and examined the horse. “He was moving and walking normally with no evidence of any injury or lameness,” says Stacy Wolf, Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel for the ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Department.

Thankfully Blackie was not seriously injured, but the ASPCA vehemently believes our city’s streets are no place for carriage horses. “This is an unfortunate example of the dangers faced by carriage horses and their human passengers,” says Michelle Villagomez, ASPCA Senior Manager of Advocacy and Campaigns. "The ASPCA will continue its long fight to get horses off the streets of Manhattan, while continuing to strengthen and enforce the carriage horse regulations that do exist.

To learn more about the fundamental cruelty of New York City’s carriage horse industry—and to see proposed humane alternatives and solutions—please visit our partner agency, NYCLASS.

September 21, 2009

Tiger Ranch Raid Update: Rescued Cats Now Up for Adoption!

More than one year after being rescued, nearly 250 of the 390 cats seized in one of the largest anti-cruelty raids of recent times are on the lookout for new forever homes. The cats, who were held for over a year as evidence during the investigation and subsequent prosecution of Tiger Ranch Cat Sanctuary owner Lin Marie, have spent this time recovering from such ailments as malnutrition, dehydration, respiratory conditions and various skin conditions.

Back in March of 2008, members of the ASPCA Field Services and Disaster Response Teams found the cats living in squalor on the 28-acre property in Tarentum, Pennsylvania. Investigators also found hundreds of dead cats, some in freezers inside the home, others in open burial pits and still others in plain view.

On July 13, 2009, sanctuary owner Marie, also known as Linda Bruno, pleaded guilty to 12 misdemeanor animal cruelty charges and two other counts of tampering with evidence. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Marie will never again be able to own, control or possess any animals. She also will have to pay $200,000 in restitution to the Clarion County Humane Society in Shippenville, which has been caring for the surviving cats since the raid took place. Marie will be sentenced on October 5, 2009, and could face jail time.

"The Tiger Ranch cats were held for such a long period of time because they were still technically the property of Lin Marie,” explains Cori Menkin, ASPCA Senior Director of Legislative Initiatives. “Because of due process laws, the animals cannot be adopted out to anyone else until a court has ruled that the owner cannot keep the animals, or the owner agrees to voluntarily surrender the animals. Prior to that, the animals must be held as potential evidence in the criminal case.”

Adoptions are taking place at the Clarion County Humane Society. For more information on how to adopt the cats contact (814) 226-9192.

Do you Twitter? Use this hashtag to tweet on this article: @aspca and #AdoptRescuedCats

September 18, 2009

ASPCA Locates Dog Attacker Through Facebook

Last Friday, September 11, ASPCA Special Agent Paul Lai arrested New Yorker Donnell Walters for allegedly beating his boyfriend’s dog, a 4½-pound Yorkshire Terrier named Lucy. Lucy’s owner alleges that in late July, a verbal dispute triggered Walters, 22, to assault the tiny canine. He is accused of repeatedly slamming or dropping Lucy to the ground, shattering one of her legs.

When ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) began its investigation, Agent Lai had trouble finding Walters. He cleverly used a variety of tools, including Facebook, the popular social networking website, to locate the suspect. Friday’s arrest was made at Walters’ Manhattan workplace; he has been charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty, which carries a penalty of up to two years in jail.

"Lucy was the innocent victim of a domestic dispute,” says Stacy Wolf, ASPCA HLE Vice President & Chief Legal Counsel. “As unfortunate as these kinds of incidents are, it is good to know that the criminal justice system is treating them with the seriousness that these crimes deserve."

After the incident, Lucy’s owner phoned the ASPCA to report the dog’s injuries. He then brought her to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where her broken leg was operated on and repaired using screws and a metal plate. Lucy was returned to her owner and is recovering well from her ordeal.

If you know of an animal who is being hurt, please report it—those who intentionally hurt animals may move on to abuse the people in their lives. To report animal cruelty in New York City, call the ASPCA’s tip line at (877) THE-ASPCA. Visit our Report Cruelty FAQ to learn how to report cruelty elsewhere.

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September 15, 2009

Update: Five Plead Guilty in Largest Dog Fighting Crackdown in U.S. History

On Monday, September 14, four eastern Missouri men pleaded guilty to charges connected with the largest federal dog fighting raid in U.S. history. Robert Hackman, Teddy Kiriakidis, Ronald Creech and Michael Morgan each entered a plea in U.S. District Court in St. Louis, while another man arrested in connection with the raid, Jack Ruppel, pleaded guilty to charges on September 4, in federal court in Jefferson City.

The eight-state raid, launched by federal agencies on July 8, spanned Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Nebraska and Mississippi, and resulted in a total of 26 arrests and the rescue of more than 400 dogs. The 407 recovered dogs—most of them Pit Bulls—and 100 puppies born since the rescue are being sheltered and well-cared for in a secure St. Louis facility under the direction of the Humane Society of Missouri’s (HSMO) Animal Cruelty Task Force. In addition to aiding in the rescue and collection of forensic evidence for the court case, ASPCA experts assisted HSMO in evaluating each dog to determine suitability for placement with rescue groups or individual adopters.

“The ASPCA is determined to protect our nation’s pets from dog fighting and other forms of brutality” said ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres. “Animal cruelty cannot be tolerated, and we are pleased that the five defendants are taking responsibility for the pain and suffering they inflicted.”

Because dog fighting is a felony in all 50 states, if convicted of animal fighting charges, those arrested each face up to five years in prison. The sentencing date for the four defendants who pleaded guilty this week is set for December 8, 2009.

Read more about the rescued dogs.

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Two pups being carried to safety by an ASPCA Disaster Response Team member.

Two of the many pups rescued during the raid.

Veterinary forensics team searching the grounds for evidence.

One of the many Pit Bull victims being brought to safety.

This pregnant Pit Bull is just one of the many females used solely for breeding purposes.

A dog with a missing front limb, a common injury seen in fighting dogs.

Gathering forensic evidence for the court case.

September 11, 2009

ASPCA Rescues 25 Dogs from Queens Hoarder

On August 19, the ASPCA, NYC Animal Care & Control and the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals worked in tandem with local police to rescue 25 dogs from an animal hoarder in Queens, NY. After a carefully planned intervention led by the ASPCA, the hoarder, a man in his mid-50s, voluntarily relinquished the dogs.

While neighbors had long been complaining to each other about the excessive barking and horrible smells coming from the house, it took several years for anyone to contact authorities. Officials were finally tipped off after a neighbor complained to various city agencies about the constant barking, vile stench and the ever-increasing number of animals in the residence.

The dogs—mostly Beagles, Miniature Pinschers and mixes of the two—were living in squalid conditions and suffering from an array of medical conditions including parasites, fleas, overgrown nails and mange. Four of the dogs are pregnant.

"Hoarding situations are complex and depending upon a number of factors, including the mental health status of the hoarder, they may or may not be referred to the criminal justice system," says Allison Cardona, ASPCA Director of Disaster Response. "It is vital that authorities be notified of hoarding situations so that steps can be taken to ensure the protection of the animals. This kind of problem will not go away by itself. It will only get worse. That is why people need to speak up!"

The ASPCA also worked closely with Adult Protective Services because, as in many of these cases, the hoarder himself was in need of medical attention. "Like many psychological conditions, there are probably multiple underlying causes for animal-hoarding behavior. These are not situations that can or should be handled by animal welfare agencies alone," explains Cardona. "The ASPCA will continue to work with Adult Protective Services to monitor this man's behavior. Without intervention and monitoring, the relapse rate for hoarders is 100 percent."

The surrendered dogs are recuperating in several shelters, and ASPCA animal behaviorists are currently working with seven in particular. "These dogs have never been socialized, walked on a leash or run around in a yard," says Cardona. "Their future pet parents will need to be especially caring, patient people, willing go the extra mile."

For more information on animal hoarding, visit ASPCA.org.

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August 31, 2009

Serial Cat Killer Arrested After Four-Month Spree

On August 21, ASPCA Special Agents arrested Manhattan resident Sean Lynde, 36, for allegedly killing four cats and seriously injuring two others. The cats were owned by Lynde’s ex-girlfriend, Rachel Strate.

Lynde, who has a documented history of violent outbreaks, was indicted by a Manhattan Grand Jury on six counts of felony aggravated animal cruelty, seven counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty, three counts of aggravated harassment, one count of criminal mischief, two counts of criminal contempt and one count of stalking. He pleaded not guilty and is currently out on $5,000 bail.

“Incidents like these are especially chilling,” says Stacy Wolf, Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel for the ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Department. “An individual who can commit such violent acts against multiple pets over a period of months is someone who the criminal justice system needs to take serious notice of.”

The four-month killing spree began last fall after Lynde moved into Strate’s Upper West Side apartment. Events unfolded as follows:

• On October 5, 2008, Strate’s 15-year-old cat, Cleo, was found dead behind a dryer with her mouth full of laundry detergent. A necropsy confirmed she also suffered head trauma, including a broken jaw and bleeding eye. A short time later, her 12-year-old cat named Zoe was found badly beaten, suffered extensive head trauma and had to be euthanized.
  
  
• In November 2008, Strate adopted two three-month-old kittens, Willie and Betty. Later that month, she came home to discover Willie was unable to walk and returned him to his previous owner. On November 24, she came home to find Betty on the floor dead. “Lynde stated that Betty fell from a countertop to the floor and stopped breathing,” says Assistant Director of ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement, Joseph Pentangelo.
  
  
• On December 18, still not suspecting her boyfriend of any wrongdoing, Strate adopted two more kittens, Emo and Bonafide. Soon after his adoption, Emo suffered an unexplained broken paw and subsequently vanished. On January 23, Strate found Bonafide with a broken neck—he later slipped into a coma and died.
  
  
• In January 2009, the ASPCA received an anonymous tip and began investigating the suspicious killings.

If you suspect that someone is committing an act of animal cruelty in your community, report it to the proper authorities immediately.

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