The 1-year-old dog, named Frankie, was found tied to a gate at Saint John’s Cemetery, in Yonkers
Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced today that a Yonkers woman was arraigned on multiple animal cruelty charges Monday morning after a dog was found abandoned and severely injured at a Yonkers cemetery in November.
Anita Martin, 60, was charged with Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, an unclassified felony, Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals, a class A misdemeanor, and Abandonment of Animals, an unclassified misdemeanor.
Martin pleaded not guilty to the charges. She was released on her own recognizance as none of the charges are bail eligible. Judge Evan Inlaw adjourned the case to Feb. 23 for further proceedings.
DA Cacace said: “Like many in Westchester, I was deeply disturbed to see the photos of Frankie on the news in his mangled condition. Our pets are completely dependent upon us for their well-being, and in this case, poor Frankie was failed many times over.
“The charges in this case are serious and reflect the gravity of the harms committed against an innocent and defenseless creature. The only silver lining here is that Frankie can now begin his healing journey and will undoubtedly spend the rest of his life in loving arms, much unlike his life as a puppy.”
SPCA Westchester CEO Shannon Laukhuf said: “We are grateful to the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office for moving swiftly to help ensure justice for Frankie. We are their voice and will continue to advocate tirelessly on behalf of animals who cannot speak for themselves.”
According to charging documents and a veterinarian’s deposition filed with the court, on Nov. 21, Martin left a 1-year-old dog named Frankie tied to a gate at Saint John’s Cemetery, in Yonkers. For over three hours, Frankie was abandoned without food or water.
Eventually, Frankie was discovered by a good Samaritan, who phoned the police. During a subsequent medical examination, a veterinarian determined that Frankie was a 1-year-old, male mastiff-mix. Frankie was found to have a very large and severe wound on his neck, measuring 22 centimeters long and 4 centimeters deep, according to the veterinarian’s deposition. This gash exposed all of Frankie’s underlying tissue; it produced a foul odor, was badly infected and had pus and drainage present, the veterinarian found.
Frankie was also found to have been extremely underweight and emaciated, with his ribs clearly visible, indicating he had not been receiving proper nutrition for an extended period of time. A complex surgery was performed lasting two hours.
Amid these challenges, Frankie has retained a “remarkably sweet and loving” demeanor, according to the veterinarian.
“He becomes excited as soon as he sees anyone approaching,” the veterinarian notes. “He enjoys affection, seeks out attention and happily gives kisses to me and the staff. Despite the severity of his injuries and the neglect he suffered, he remains extremely gentle, trusting and affectionate.”
The investigation was conducted by SPCA Westchester and the Yonkers Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Alexander Shapiro, recently named by DA Cacace to serve as the office’s Animal Cruelty Coordinator.
