ASPCA Arrests Two Suspects in Separate Animal Cruelty Cases

NEW YORK— Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) agents of the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) have arrested two suspects in separate animal cruelty cases. The animal victims, two dogs, suffered from various forms of neglect.

On February 27, Marvin Silver of Bedford-Stuyvesant was arrested for allegedly neglecting his three-year-old male pit bull, named Biggie. Last April, HLE agents responded to Animal Care & Control's (AC&C) Brooklyn facility to investigate a complaint of a neglected dog that had been surrendered by its owner, Mr. Silver. The dog weighed only 45.2 pounds and showed signs of neglect. Agents removed the dog and transported him to the ASPCA Animal Hospital for treatment and evaluation. Upon intake, ASPCA veterinarians found Biggie to be weak, emaciated and dehydrated, and concluded that he had been starved. Two months after receiving treatment, Biggie increased his weight to 71.1 pounds—a 57 percent gain. Biggie was adopted on February 7 by a Staten Island family.

Silver, 24, 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.

In a separate incident, Peter Morin of Harlem was arrested on February 26 for allegedly neglecting his 11-year-old female shih tzu, named Tinkerbell. In December, HLE agents responded to a complaint from staff at a dog grooming facility who were concerned that a dog in their care may have been neglected. When agents arrived, they found the dog to be in poor condition. They located Tinkerbell's owner, Mr. Morin, who surrendered the dog to the ASPCA. Tinkerbell was transported by the agents to the ASPCA Animal Hospital for treatment and evaluation. ASPCA veterinarians found Tinkerbell to be in pain due to untreated kidney disease. She was also found to be blind and have excessive dental disease, hair matting, dried discharge, debris all over her coat and overgrown nails. Tinkerbell has regained some sight and is recovering from her other ailments. She will eventually be made available for adoption.

Morin, 60, 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.

To report animal cruelty in New York City, the ASPCA encourages the public to contact its Humane Law Enforcement department at 877-THE-ASPCA (843-2772) or [email protected]. For crimes in progress, individuals should call 911. Outside of New York City, individuals should contact their local humane organization or police department.

Biggie upon intake at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, and again on the day of his adoption with his new family.

Tinkerbell at intake, and again two months after receiving treatment.