NEW YORK—Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) agents of the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) today arrested Queens resident Grimilda Amil of Ridgewood for allegedly neglecting and starving her 3-year-old male Yorkshire terrier, named Hershey.

On June 27, 2012, ASPCA HLE agents responded to the ASPCA's Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic on Metropolitan Avenue in Queens, after staff became concerned about the condition of a dog that had been taken to the Clinic by its owner, Ms. Amil. Amil relinquished ownership of Hershey to the ASPCA, and he was transported by the agents to the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for evaluation and treatment.

ASPCA veterinarians found Hershey to be emaciated, anemic and to have pressure sores, and determined that he had been starved. Upon intake, Hershey weighed 5.2 pounds; after receiving treatment by ASPCA staff, he now weighs 10.1 pounds—a 94 percent increase. Hershey is recovering at the home of a foster family and will eventually be made available for adoption.

Amil, 55, was arrested by ASPCA Special Agent Joann Sandano. She was charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. If convicted, she faces up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Amil is due in Queens Criminal Court on October 4.

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.

Hershey, before and after receiving treatment at the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital