ASPCA Announces Recent Arrests for Animal Cruelty In Neglect of Two-Year-Old Puggle, 10 Dead Kittens

August 15, 2008

NEW YORK, August 15, 2008 - Humane Law Enforcement agents of the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) arrested two New Yorkers this past week for misdemeanor animal cruelty.

On August 11, ASPCA Special Agent Kristi Adams arrested Francesca Sullivan, 21, of Brooklyn on one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty, for starving her two-year-old puggle, Ditto. On May 7, an acquaintance of Ms. Sullivan’s took the dog to an animal hospital in Brooklyn for treatment. The hospital notified the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement division immediately, and an investigation was initiated. Ditto has since been adopted by a third party and is recovering well.

ASPCA Special Agent John Delatorre arrested Katehis Spiridoula, 36, of the Bronx for misdemeanor animal cruelty for the severe neglect of 20 cats. On June 20, Ms. Spiridoula arrived at the ASPCA to surrender 25 cats. Ten kittens were in a plastic container, dead as a result of heat stroke and suffocation. An additional 10 adult cats were discovered in the trunk of Ms. Spiridoula’s car, suffering from severe heat-related injuries. The surviving cats are being treated at the ASPCA are available for adoption.

Both suspects were charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty and face up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

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About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first animal welfare organization to be established in North America and today serves as the nation’s leading voice for vulnerable and victimized animals. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA assists animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources. For more information, visit www.ASPCA.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

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