ASPCA Arrests Brooklyn Resident for Killing Hamster

<strong> <em>Pet died from blunt force trauma, liver damage and hemorrhage</em> </strong>
March 9, 2011

NEW YORK--Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) agents of the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) arrested Brooklyn resident Monique Smith last night for fatally injuring an adult female hamster.

On June 7, 2010, ASPCA agents responded to a complaint of a person who had killed a pet hamster belonging to another family member. Smith had killed the hamster with her hands and had thrown the pet across the street during a dispute with the owner.

The deceased hamster was taken by HLE agents to the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for a necropsy. Results of the necropsy revealed that the hamster had suffered blunt force trauma, liver damage and an associated hemorrhage.

Smith, 19, was arrested by ASPCA Special Agent Patrick Breen. She was charged with one count of aggravated cruelty to animals, a felony; one count of cruelty to animals, a misdemeanor; and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor. If convicted, she faces up to two years in prison and/or a $5,000 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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