Police Blotter

The ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Agents work hard to make New York City a safer place for its four-legged inhabitants. Following is our ongoing list of arrests they’ve made for animal cruelty.

August 21, 2009
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.

The crimes began last fall after Lynde moved into Strate’s Upper West Side apartment. 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.

In December, 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.

Lynde 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.

August 11th, 2009
Brooklyn resident Vincent Turzio, 43, was arrested by ASPCA Special Agent Kristi Adams for severely neglecting his 12-year-old German Shepherd, Bella.

On July 7, Special Agent Adams and Special Agent Debbie Koch responded to a complaint made by the Bay Ridge Animal Hospital about a dog brought in with questionable injuries.

Upon arrival, the veterinarian explained to the Agents that the dog had arrived in grave condition with no explanation from her owner. Covered in urine and feces, the dog was completely emaciated and too weak to stand on her own. She was also suffering from an open wound the size of a large grapefruit on the side of her hind leg. The wound was horribly infected, with blood, bone and tissue fully exposed. The vet estimated the dog had been in this condition for over a month.

Because of the severity of her condition, Bella was humanely euthanized. Turzio was charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. He faces up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

July 31, 2009
Brooklyn resident Fabian Henderson, 19, was arrested on July 31 by ASPCA Special Agent Peter Rivas for hurling his one-year-old Terrier mix, Oreo, from the roof of his Red Hook Housing Project building.

On June 18, the ASPCA received a complaint that an animal was being beaten. A few minutes later, HLE received two more calls from people reporting that a dog had been thrown off a six-story roof.

Upon arrival, ASPCA Agents found Oreo on the ground, badly broken, but alive. Agents immediately took her to the nearest animal clinic, where she received emergency care. As soon as she was stabilized, Oreo was transferred to the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where veterinarians treated her shattered legs, bruised lungs and severe internal bleeding. Surgery was also performed to reconstruct her front legs, using plates and screws.

On August 10, Henderson was indicted on charges of aggravated cruelty to animals, a felony, the lesser offense of animal cruelty, which is a misdemeanor as well as criminal trespass in the third degree. If convicted, he could face more than two years in jail. At his arraignment, Henderson pleaded not guilty.  

June 3, 2009
Bronx resident Cheyenne Cherry, 17, was arrested by ASPCA Special Agents on June 3 for allegedly killing a two-month-old kitten by burning her to death in an oven.

Cherry admits to breaking into the home of an ex-roommate on May 6. She and an accomplice allegedly threw bleach on the walls, slashed furniture and stole various items. Before leaving, Cherry put the victim's kitten, Tiger Lily, into the hot oven.

Police arrived on scene to investigate smoke complaints and found Tiger Lily’s body. Her remains were taken to ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where veterinarians performed a necropsy to determine the sex of the badly burned kitten.

In addition to cruelty to animals, Cherry was charged with multiple counts of burglary, arson and criminal mischief. Under New York State law, Cherry is considered an adult and faces more than 10 years in prison if convicted of all charges.

April 23, 2009
Thanks to the help of concerned citizens, Staten Island resident Tyrone Walker, 41, was arrested by ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents on April 23 and charged with two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and two counts of abandoning an animal.

On the afternoon of April 2, witnesses near Marcus Garvey Park in Manhattan saw a man, later identified as Walker, tie his dogs to a park fence and drive away. One of the dogs, an elderly male Rottweiler, was frothing at the mouth and unable to stand. Concerned, the witnesses called the police and provided the car's license plate number and descriptions of the man. Both dogs were rushed to the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital.

The Rottweiler, named Shadow, was gravely ill with cancer and died soon after arrival. The other dog, an 8-year-old Belgian Shepherd named Savannah, was diagnosed with Lyme disease and is currently recovering with the help of ASPCA veterinarians.

If convicted, Walker faces up to two years in jail and a $2,000 fine.

March 31, 2009
When a traumatized Shiba Inu named Michigan was brought to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital (BMAH) on March 25, veterinarians discovered that 12 of the 2-year-old dog’s ribs were fractured. ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Special Agent Debbie Koch investigated, and on March 31, arrested Manhattan resident Richard Smith on multiple charges related to domestic abuse. Smith, 24, allegedly assaulted his 21-year-old girlfriend and severely beat Michigan, who belongs to her sister. Multiple attacks on the dog allegedly occurred over the last few months.

Smith was charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty and assault. If convicted, he faces up to two years in jail and a $2,000 fine. Michigan is recovering at BMAH and will be reunited with her owner.

December 27, 2008
On December 27, Humane Law Enforcement Agents arrested Brooklyn resident Donauld Soleil for misdemeanor animal cruelty.

The suspect was arrested for inflicting pain and suffering on a three-year-old male poodle belonging to an acquaintance. The dog, named Cuddles, was brought to ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where veterinarians discovered that he had suffered from injuries to his face left eye, right side and back. Cuddles was treated for his wounds and reunited with his owner.

Soleil, 19, was charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. He faces up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

December 27, 2008
Staten Islander Rafael Lauda, 22, was arrested by ASPCA Special Agent Paul Romano on December 27 on multiple charges stemming from a hit-and-run automobile accident.

On December 3, Melvina Jeter of Staten Island was walking across the street with her five-month-old pit bull, Gigi, when a car struck the puppy. The driver left the scene of the accident without providing Jeter with any information. Sadly, Gigi died soon after the accident at a nearby animal hospital.

Lauda was charged with one count of leaving the scene of an accident with injury to an animal, one count of animal cruelty and for driving with a suspended license. If convicted of all charges, he faces more than a year in jail.

December 14, 2008
Manhattan resident Jennifer Vias, 26, was arrested by ASPCA Special Agent Henry Ruiz on December 14 for neglecting her one-year-old dog.

Back in October, Agent Ruiz responded to a complaint and discovered an extremely thin and dirty pit bull at Vias’s residence. The dog, renamed Lazarus, was seized and brought to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where he was treated for starvation and neglect.

Lazarus was released to the ASPCA and quickly adopted from our 92nd Street Adoption Center, while her former owner—charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty—faces up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

December 12, 2008
On December 12, Humane Law Enforcement Agent Debbie Ryan arrested Zaquana Gordon, 22, of Staten Island for neglecting her three-year-old pit bull.

On November 6, New York Police executed a warrant on Gordon and contacted the ASPCA after observing her emaciated dog. Agent Ryan seized the dog and brought him to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where he was renamed Romeo and treated for starvation and neglect.

Gordon was charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty, as well as two counts of criminal possession for drugs allegedly found on her person at the time of her arrest. Romeo was released to the ASPCA for adoption.

November 20, 2008
Bronx resident Cedric Flemming, 28, was arrested by ASPCA Special Agent John De La Torre on November 20 for neglecting his seven-year-old female St. Bernard mix, Precious.

Back in October, Agent De La Torre responded to a complaint about Precious and found the dog to be in poor condition. He seized the emaciated dog and brought her to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where she was treated for starvation and neglect. Under the care of our veterinarians, Precious’s gaunt 65-pound frame soon bulked up by 45 percent—after just one month at the ASPCA, she weighed in at a healthy 94 pounds.

Precious was placed up for adoption at the ASPCA’s 92nd Street Adoption Center while her former owner, who has been charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty, faces up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

October 1, 2008
On October 1, Humane Law Enforcement Special Agent Joann Sandano arrested Queens resident Trevor Williams, 28, for allegedly starving his mixed breed dog to death.

On February 11, a freezing day, Agent Sandano responded to a complaint of an immobilized dog lying in Williams’s yard. Upon arrival, she found the suspect in the street covering his dead dog with trash. The dog, an adult male, had been starved and weighed only 29 pounds.

Williams faces a misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to one year in prison and a $2,000 fine, as well as a felony charge for tampering with physical evidence, punishable by up to two years in prison.

September 19, 2008
On September 19, Humane Law Enforcement Special Agent John De La Torre arrested Bronx resident Daniel Coy. On July 11, Coy brought his 11-pound silky terrier to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where he was diagnosed with renal failure, multiple rib fractures and a collapsed lung. With no hope for recovery, the dog was humanely euthanized. Coy, 32, was charged with one count of felony animal cruelty for allegedly causing the dog’s injuries. He faces up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

September 18, 2008
When Brenda Santiago arrived for a scheduled appearance at Bronx Criminal Court on September 18, ASPCA Special Agent Joseph Vais was there waiting for her. Vais arrested Santiago for animal cruelty for allegedly neglecting her 12-year-old shih tzu so severely that he was unable to walk or see from lack of grooming.

Agent Vais had discovered the dog’s poor condition in February when he responded to a complaint made to Humane Law Enforcement. Veterinarians at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital shaved down the dog’s fur, which was severely matted with feces, rocks, string and other debris. Santiago was charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty, and faces up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine. The shih tzu, renamed Buddy, has since been adopted.

September 18, 2008
On September 18, ASPCA Special Agent Kristi Adams arrested Sonja Wilson of Brooklyn for allegedly neglecting and starving her 10-month-old Chihuahua mix. Wilson was charged with one count of animal cruelty, and faces up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

On June 16, Wilson relinquished her puppy to New York City Animal Care & Control (AC&C). As the dog was dehydrated, emaciated and lethargic, AC&C immediately contacted ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement. Agent Adams rushed the dog to Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where upon examination, ASPCA veterinarians determined the three-pound puppy was severely starved and dehydrated. We are happy to report that after treatment and proper feeding, the puppy, named Marley, was adopted.

September 5, 2008:
ASPCA Special Agent Peter Rivas has arrested Manhattan resident Sherman Haynes, 27, for allegedly throwing his ex-girlfriend’s small dog to her death. On September 14, 2007, Farah Benoit returned to the Brooklyn apartment she had shared with Haynes to collect her belongings, including her three-year-old shih tzu, Zahara. Haynes refused Benoit entry into the building and began to toss her belongings from the third-floor window. Witnesses claim Haynes then grabbed Zahara by the throat and threw her down to the street. Benoit rushed Zahara to Manhattan’s Animal Medical Center, but with multiple broken legs, collapsed lungs and internal bleeding from the impact, the 15-pound dog did not survive. Haynes fled the scene and for a year avoided both the NYPD and ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents seeking to question him.

Haynes was finally located by the ASPCA and charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty, reckless endangerment, reckless endangerment of property, menacing, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal mischief. The NYPD also charged him with aggravated harassment. Haynes faces up to seven years in prison for the combined charges.

August 25, 2008:
ASPCA Special Agent Joann Sandano arrested Kwang Lee of Flushing, Queens, on August 25 for neglecting his two dogs. Lee, 39, was charged with two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and faces up to two years in jail and a $4,000 fine.

On June 16, a neighbor found Lee’s Pomeranian, Willie, bloodied and injured in the street. When Lee made it clear that he had no intention of seeking veterinary care, neighbors called the ASPCA. When she responded to the complaint, Agent Sandano discovered a second dog belonging to Lee, a Chihuahua, also in dire need of medical attention. Both dogs were seized and brought to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for treatment.

Willie received orthopedic surgery to repair a fractured hip and had two teeth removed due to severe dental disease. Albie, the Chihuahua, had a bent leg reset—the result of an old break that never properly healed—and was treated for other conditions caused by neglect. Willie and Albie, both six years old and with great dispositions, were released to the ASPCA to be adopted into new homes. Two hamsters and a gerbil who also were removed from the house have been re-homed as well.

August 11, 2008:
Brooklynite Francesca Sullivan, 21, was arrested by ASPCA Special Agent Kristi Adams on August 11 for starving Ditto, her two-year-old puggle (pug/beagle mix).

In early May, Sullivan’s ex-boyfriend returned to the Brooklyn Heights apartment they once shared and was alarmed by Ditto’s physical deterioration following the couple’s breakup. When he brought Ditto to a nearby animal hospital for treatment, the dog weighed a mere 6.6 pounds—the average weight range for an adult puggle is 15 to 30 pounds. The Brooklyn hospital called ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement, which began an investigation.

When contacted by the hospital, Sullivan relinquished ownership of Ditto. The puggle has been adopted through the Brooklyn hospital and is recovering well, while his former owner—charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty—faces up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

July 25, 2008:
On July 25, ASPCA Special Agent Peter Rivas arrested a Bronx man, Russell Hobbs, for animal cruelty. He has been charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty, and faces up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Hobbs, 32, brought his sick eight-month-old pit bull puppy, Lucy, to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital (BMAH) on July 3. When he was told there would be a fee for veterinary services, Hobbs left with Lucy before she could be examined. He then walked one block away and tied Lucy to an apartment building on 91st Street, abandoning her. A concerned, quick-thinking passerby brought the puppy back to BMAH, where veterinarians discovered that she was critically ill with parvovirus. Despite attempts to save her, Lucy died four days later.

July 16, 2008:
On May 17, ASPCA Special Agent Debbie Ryan responded to a complaint about an animal locked inside an apartment in Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood. Upon entering the apartment, Agent Ryan discovered a starving dog, Clark, who was emaciated, weak and suffering from an untreated ear infection. There was no food or water available for the six-year-old pit bull.

Following an investigation, Humane Law Enforcement Agents arrested Clark’s owner, Tiffany Lewis, on July 16. Lewis, 28, was charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty and faces up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Clark was relinquished to the ASPCA and renamed Clark Kent. Unfortunately, he was unable to recover from his ordeal and had to be humanely euthanized.

July 9, 2008:
On May 6, ASPCA Special Agent Paul Lai responded to a compliant made by All Pets Veterinary Care of Ditmars Boulevard in Queen about a cat who was brought in with questionable injuries. Agent Lai discovered Atosa, a seven-month-old white Persian, in grave condition and rushed her to the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. The cat had sustained three broken ribs, a shattered jaw and a crushed leg, which was later amputated.

On July 9, Agent Lai arrested Queens resident Christakis Panayi, 38, for aggravated animal cruelty. Upon questioning, Panayi claimed to have simply tripped over his cat, although he later admitted his guilt. Panayi faces up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

June 23, 2008:
On Monday, June 23, ASPCA Special Agent Debbie Koch arrested John Monserrate, 30, in front of his Bronx home. When Monserrate brought his 10-week-old male pit bull, Trux, to Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in late April, veterinarians immediately recognized that the dog was dehydrated and starving. Trux also exhibited a below-normal body temperature, anemia and untreated ulcers on his paw pads and hind joints. He was taken into ASPCA custody and received lifesaving medical care.

Monserrate was charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty and faces up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine. He voluntarily relinquished ownership of Trux to the ASPCA, and we are happy to report that Trux has since been adopted into a loving new home.

June 20, 2008:
On June 20, ASPCA Special Agent John De La Torre arrested Katehis Spiridoula, 36, for misdemeanor animal cruelty. Spiridoula had driven from her Bronx home to the ASPCA’s Manhattan headquarters to relinquish 25 cats, most of whom were enclosed in plastic bins in her car’s trunk. The sealed bins contained no air holes, and temperatures inside them topped 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ten kittens had died from heat stroke and suffocation. Three others were in grave condition, including one suffering from severe eye disease—his eyes were dangling from their sockets. Twelve adult cats were also sealed in the trunk, and arrived alive but extremely dehydrated.

Charged with 20 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty, Spiridoula could face up to 20 years in jail and a $40,000 fine. The surviving adults and kittens were treated and made available for adoption at the ASPCA Adoption Center.

June 19, 2008:
On June 19, ASPCA Special Agent Joseph Vais arrested Brooklyn resident Constantin Golie, 60. An anonymous tip led Agent Vais and another ASPCA Agent to Golie’s basement, where they found Baba, a 14-year-old chow chow. No food or water was observed in Baba’s environment, and she was suffering from severe matting—clumps of her fur littered the basement floor—and an untreated infection in her right ear. Baba was rushed to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where veterinarians treated her wounds. Sadly, Baba’s other health problems proved insurmountable, and she was humanely euthanized.

Golie has been charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty and faces up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

March 6, 2008:
On March 6, ASPCA Special Agent Kristi Adams arrested Bronx resident Jose Semprit for misdemeanor animal cruelty. Semprit, 61, was busted after a concerned neighbor brought Semprit’s 10-month-old pit bull puppy to New York City Animal Care & Control in late January. The puppy’s right hind leg had been severed, and the resulting wound had gone untreated. The dog, renamed Georgie, was transferred to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for treatment. Georgie is currently recuperating in a foster home, while Semprit faces up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

February 26, 2008:
Humane Law Enforcement Agent Kristi Adams arrested Manhattan resident Irvin Bennett on charges of felony animal cruelty on February 26. Bennett, 21, allegedly beat his girlfriend’s cat so severely that she suffered brain damage.

Chantelle, an eight-month-old tabby, was brought to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital on December 4 for emergency treatment. She displayed severe head trauma, a fractured tooth and internal bleeding. Chantelle recovered and was adopted out to a loving home. Bennett, on the other hand, faces up to two years in prison.

February 5, 2008:
Following up on an anonymous complaint, on February 5 ASPCA Special Agent Debbie Ryan entered the Manhattan apartment of Diana Elias and discovered her six-year-old miniature poodle, Miss Bea, in a closet. Miss Bea was encased in a solid cocoon of matted hair laden with urine, feces and filth; she also suffered from an ear infection and nails so overgrown that they curled around and pierced the skin on her paw pads. Agent Ryan arrested Elias, 52, at the scene.

Vets at the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital removed three pounds of knotted hair—one-third of the dog’s total body weight. Long-term inactivity and neglect had caused the muscles in Miss Bea’s front legs to atrophy, rendering her unable to stand or walk. The poodle’s carpal joints—the equivalent of wrists in humans—had become extended to compensate for her immobility.

While Elias, charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty, faces up to one year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine, Miss Bea is getting her second chance at life and love: On Valentine’s Day, she was adopted by a retired couple from Pennsylvania.

January 15, 2008:
In late December 2007, ASPCA Special Agent Jennifer Sarasky discovered a caged, severely underweight female pit bull at a private two-family residence on 34th Avenue in Queens. The four-year-old dog—so weak and starved she could not stand—was brought to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for emergency treatment. With veterinary care and proper feeding, her weight increased from 24 to 33 pounds in less than three weeks.

On January 15, Agent Sarasky arrested Nicholas Kaiassas, 30, on charges of animal cruelty. Kaiassas faces a fine of $1,000 and up to one year in jail. The dog, whom vets renamed Cali, is doing well.

December 18, 2007:
On December 18, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Special Agent Adam Gankiewicz arrested Doug Bolton, 24, on charges of felony aggravated animal cruelty. Bolton was accused of savagely beating his girlfriend's miniature pinscher, Franklin, in the girlfriend’s Upper East Side Manhattan home. Bolton allegedly beat the seven-pound dog so badly that he barely survived and had one eye protruding from his skull. Today, Franklin is blind in one eye and suffers from brain damage. Bolton faces up to two years in jail and a $2,000 fine.

With the booking of New Yorker Sarah Favorite, 25, on charges of aggravated animal cruelty, December 18 was quite a busy day for Special Agent Adam Gankiewicz. Favorite allegedly became angry at her boyfriend's 17-year-old Siamese cat, Yoda, and repeatedly choked and smashed him against the floor in a rage that lasted two days. Yoda’s guardian returned to his Upper East Side apartment to find his cat lying in a pool of blood and rushed him to a local veterinary hospital. The cat suffered severe trauma and injuries, including multiple fractures and three broken legs. He was subsequently euthanized. Favorite faces up to two years in jail and a $2,000 fine.

December 17, 2007:
On November 26, the ASPCA was alerted to suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of a stray kitten who had been socialized, cared for and fed by the residents and employees of a Bronx building. Witnesses told Humane Law Enforcement Agents that area resident Robert Tull, 17, struck the 4 1/2—month-old male kitten with a garbage pail lid on the night of the kitten’s death. Back at Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in Manhattan, a necropsy proved that the kitten had suffered head trauma and that he had been drowned.

ASPCA Special Agent Patrick Breen arrested Tull without incident on December 17. At 17, Tull is considered an adult by New York City law. He has been charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty and faces up to two years in prison and a $2,000 fine.

November 5, 2007:
In late October, a 10-year-old dog named Myrna was brought by her owner to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for treatment for her legs, which were swollen, painful and unusable. Bergh veterinarians discovered that two of the mixed-breed dog’s legs were fractured—one badly enough to require surgery. Suspecting animal cruelty, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement began an investigation. It turned out that a few days prior to Myrna’s hospitalization, Queens resident Pritesh Patel believed that Myrna was involved an altercation with his dog. In the presence of neighborhood children, Patel struck Myrna about her body with a heavy metal bar before leaving the scene.

On November 5, Special Agent Richard Ryan arrested Patel, 27. He was charged with aggravated animal cruelty, criminal possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child. That same day, Myrna underwent orthopedic surgery at Bergh. The surgery was a success, and she was discharged to her owner two days later.

May 25, 2007:
On April 20, after responding to an anonymous tip, ASPCA Special Agents discovered an adult pit bull mix and three puppies in a garbage-strewn yard at 80-50 57th Street in the Ridgewood section of Queens. The dogs were rushed immediately to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for emergency life-saving treatment. Some of the dogs were in shock—all were extremely emaciated and starving. One puppy, comatose and near death with a body temperature of 80 degrees, received intensive treatment including intravenous fluids, blood transfusions and oxygen. Although the adult dog died, the three puppies have recovered and are currently being evaluated for possible adoption.

On May 22, ASPCA arresting Agent Paul Lai caught up with the responsible party, Jamel Carter, 23. Carter was facing a judge at Brooklyn’s Criminal Court about outstanding, unrelated drug charges. Carter was arrested and charged with three counts of animal cruelty and three counts of abandoning an animal. He now faces a $12,000 fine and up to six years in prison.

April 17, 2007:
On April 11, after a one-month-long investigation conducted by the ASPCA, Special Agent Richard Ryan arrested 36-year-old Brooklyn resident Joe Petcka without incident for beating to death his female acquaintance’s pet cat. Norman, a long-haired orange cat, was found to have suffered numerous blows to his body after spending time in alone with Petcka in the downtown Manhattan apartment where he lived with his owner. Veterinarians at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital performed a necropsy and discovered that Norman, who weighed just 7 1/2 pounds, had sustained numerous broken bones and teeth caused by multiple, repeated blows.

Petcka—a 205 pound actor and former professional baseball player who claimed to have beaten the cat in self-defense—has been charged with one count of Aggravated Animal Cruelty, a felony punishable by up to two years in prison. Bail has been set at $2,500.

March 2, 2007:
Responding to a complaint of animal cruelty at 32-30 107th Street in East Elmhurst, Queens, ASPCA Special Agent Paul Lai discovered a two-year-old pit bull mix named Apollo tethered with a short chain and frozen to death in the yard behind the house. After Apollo’s remains were brought to the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for a necropsy, veterinarians determined that the canine had starved and frozen to death in temperatures that had dipped, that week, to 14 degrees Fahrenheit.

Agent Lai arrested Winston Mitchell, 37, without incident on charges of animal cruelty. Upon his arrest, Mitchell explained to Agent Lai he had forgotten he’d left Apollo chained in the yard. If found guilty, he faces up to one year in prison.

January 13, 2007:
On December 29, 2006, the ASPCA was alerted to a severely neglected dog in the backyard of Oswald S. Jaudon’s residence in Queens. Upon arriving, our Humane Law Enforcement Agents discovered an emaciated Chow Chow tied up in the yard with a nylon collar embedded in his neck.

Jaudon, age 51, was arrested and charged with one count of animal cruelty. If convicted, he will face up to one year in prison and a maximum $2,000 fine.

The three-year-old canine was immediately taken to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where ASPCA veterinarians performed surgery to remove the collar. More than 100 stitches and multiple surgical staples were used to close the infected wound, which measured the entire circumference of his neck. The dog’s head and face were severely swollen.

Though it has been a long recovery, the Chow Chow, named Tyson, will soon be ready for adoption.

November 29, 2006:
The ASPCA, in conjunction with Queens district attorney Richard Brown, has announced the sentencing of Keidel Guy for felony animal cruelty. The 20-year-old Queens man was sentenced to 16 months in prison for starving a family of pit bulls.

In October 2005, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents Joseph Lemos and Omar Negrillo seized a nearly dead mother dog and her emaciated pup from Guy’s house after finding another puppy dead from starvation. Guy admitted to neglecting the dogs for weeks.

The mother, renamed Damsel, and her surviving pup, Jezebel, arrived at our Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital near death. Both animals were successfully treated and adopted into loving homes.

September 10, 2006:
ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents arrested Edwin Roman, 44, outside his Bronx residence for assaulting his family’s pet dog, Lucky, with a mop handle.

Following the assault, which occurred on July 18, the 10-pound Pomeranian was taken to NYC Animal Care and Control (AC&C) in Brooklyn by a relative of the suspect. AC&C employees alerted the ASPCA, and the dog was taken to our Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. Veterinarians performed extensive surgery to correct Lucky’s jaw, which was shattered during the attack. The prognosis is good, and Lucky is recovering.

Roman was charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty and one count of criminal possession of a weapon.

September 6, 2006:
ASPCA Special Agents arrested Rosalda Faraci, 30, for one count of aggravated animal cruelty, one count of animal cruelty, and one count of criminal possession of a weapon.

On August 15, 2006, the ASPCA followed up on a complaint of a 10-month-old Cairn terrier, Lucio, who was allegedly being beaten in the backyard of Faraci’s home in Queens. The dog’s testicles were tightly wrapped with a rubber band, and a foul odor emanated from the injured area. Lucio was taken to the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for treatment. According to our veterinarians, the site of the injury was severely infected, causing the puppy great pain. Lucio was also significantly underweight.

Lucio is doing well after surgery to correct his condition. If convicted, Faraci faces up to four years in prison.

August 30, 2006:
ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents arrested 20-year-old Bronx resident Frederick Fontanez for beating a 14-pound bichon frise named Bebe—and prompting a judge to issue the first-ever order of protection in New York for a pet.

On July 20, Fontanez was in the home of Bebe’s owner with the dog. The owner returned that evening to find that Bebe had sustained multiple injuries, including severe bruising on his back and trauma to his left thigh and right eye. Neighbors reported that they had heard Bebe yelping loudly several times during the day. Bebe was taken to a local veterinarian and is expected to recover.

Assistant District Attorney Heather Nicoletti of the Queens District Attorney’s office was granted the order for both the dog and his owner by Judge Alex J. Zigman. Fontanez was ordered to keep at least 100 yards away from Bebe and his owner.

July 28, 2006:
On June 29, the ASPCA received a complaint of a dead rooster near the West 213th Street residence of Humberto Rodriguez. Upon visiting the scene, our Humane Law Enforcement Agents found a beheaded adult rooster on Rodriguez’s fire escape. Agents brought the rooster to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for examination, where veterinarians determined that the bird also suffered from two broken wings.

Following further investigation, on July 28 ASPCA Special Agent Joseph Lemos arrested Rodriguez near his residence for biting the head off of his pet rooster. The 54-year-old Manhattan man has been charged with one count of animal cruelty, which is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

June 15, 2006:
ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents arrested Aram Ortiz, a restaurant manager, for one of animal cruelty and one count of abandonment of a disabled animal.

The Manhattan man faces up to two years in prison for beating his five-month-old basenji puppy, Sofie, and failing to seek veterinary attention after she fell five stories from the roof of his building.

Sofie, who weighed just 12 pounds, was found April 16 on the pavement adjacent to Ortiz’s home at 402 East 51st Street. She was taken to the Animal Medical Center, where she died after suffering broken ribs and bruised lungs. ASPCA Special Agent Joseph Lemos concluded that Ortiz, 27, beat Sofie for urinating in his apartment before taking her up to the roof. Although it’s not clear how she fell, Sofie lay on the ground for 1 1/2hours while Ortiz took no action.

May 26, 2006:
The ASPCA arrested Salvatore Isolda, 51, for kicking a three-year-old Jack Russell terrier named Spike inside his Staten Island apartment. Spike, who belongs to an acquaintance of Isolda’s, was taken to a veterinarian, who noted a large amount of blood in Spike’s urine.

Isolda surrendered on May 26 to ASPCA Special Investigator Paul Romano. He was charged with one count of animal cruelty, a misdemeanor, and faces up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. He was also charged with third-degree assault, third-degree attempted assault, and second-degree assault against Spike’s owner. Spike is expected to make a full recovery.

April 14, 2006:
Bryan P. Smith, 39, was arrested for failing to seek veterinary attention for his 3 1/2-year-old basset hound. Smith’s dog, Archie, sustained a laceration on the left side of his head that required surgery. The Queens man was charged with one count of animal cruelty, and Archie was turned over to the ASPCA. He has since been adopted into a loving home.

April 8, 2006:
ASPCA Agents rescued a cat locked in a car without food or water, and arrested her owner, Staten Island resident Tekoa Meadows, 24.

Witnesses claimed the cat, an eight-year-old tabby named Princess, had been confined to the locked car for days in front of a building.

Princess weighed just four pounds when she was found, and was suffering from dehydration. Her fur was matted and dirty. After one week of being fed a normal diet, her weight increased 50 percent.

Meadows was charged with one count of animal cruelty, which carries a maximum sentence of up to one year in prison.

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