NEW YORK—Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) agents of the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today arrested Brooklyn resident Leedell Walker for allegedly neglecting and starving his three-year-old male pit bull, named Drew.

On December 27, 2011, a severely emaciated dog was brought to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital by his owner, Mr. Walker. Walker claimed that the dog had not been eating, and he relinquished him to the ASPCA. Veterinarians at the hospital, who were concerned about the circumstances of the dog’s condition, notified HLE and an investigation was launched.

ASPCA veterinarians ultimately concluded that Drew was near death, in a critical state of shock and anemic, and that he had been neglected, starved and denied needed medical attention. Upon intake, Drew weighed 37.2 pounds; after receiving intensive treatment by ASPCA staff, he now weighs 65.6 pounds—a 76 percent increase. Drew is recovering at the hospital and will eventually be made available for adoption.

Walker, 57, was arrested by ASPCA Special Agent Bradley English. He was charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. If convicted, he faces up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Walker is due in Kings County Criminal Court on June 11.

To report animal cruelty in New York City, contact the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4450 or enforcement@aspca.org.

Drew, before and after receiving treatment at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital