On Tuesday, New York City Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill visited several animal cruelty victims recovering at the ASPCA. Matt Bershadker, our President and CEO, welcomed the New York City Police Department (NYPD)’s new commissioner to our Animal Hospital, Adoption Center, and Canine Annex for Recovery and Enrichment (CARE) to see how animal cruelty victims are nursed back to health following abuse. In 2016, the ASPCA provided veterinary, behavioral, forensic, and placement services for nearly 1,000 animals who were brought in through the groundbreaking ASPCA/NYPD partnership, now entering its fourth year.

During his visit, Commissioner O’Neill met Charlotte, an approximately two-year-old, female Maltese-Poodle mix who was found severely injured and abandoned inside a garbage can in the Bronx in December 2016. Over the past month, Charlotte has received extensive medical treatment at both the ASPCA Animal Hospital and its partner, Animal Medical Center of NYC. She has recovered partial mobility, but more observation and care is required. NYPD Crime Stoppers issued a reward of up to $2,500 for information in this open case.

“The lifesaving impact of the ASPCA/NYPD partnership is consistently reflected in the number of victimized animals we care for here,” said Matt Bershadker. “We look forward to continuing this work with Commissioner O’Neill to save more animals like Charlotte from violence and suffering, and help create safer communities for New Yorkers and their pets.”

Visit the NYPD’s YouTube page to see a video of Commissioner O’Neill’s tour of the ASPCA!