Frankie after his horrendous slashing of his neck
SPCA Westchester’s Humane Law Enforcement Unit (HLE), under the direction of Ernest Lungaro, and in a joint investigation with Detective Shaina Jacobs of the Yonkers Police Department Detective Division, arrested Anita Martin, 60, of Yonkers, NY, and charged her with felony aggravated animal cruelty and abandonment.
Last week, authorities shared a video and photo of an unidentified person of interest walking an injured dog back in November of 2025. Shortly after surveillance filmed them together, the dog, now named Frankie, was abandoned near Oakland Cemetery with a severe and life-threatening cut to his throat and neck. Thanks to local news coverage, a tip was received leading to the identification of Frankie’s owner, Anita Martin.
“We are very grateful that Frankie’s case was shared by the media so that the person responsible for this blatant act of cruelty could be quickly located and arrested,” says Shannon Laukhuf, SPCA Westchester’s Chief Executive Officer. “Fortunately, Frankie is healing well and will be placed up for adoption shortly at the SPCA’s Rescue Center in Briarcliff Manor.”
“Animal cruelty will not be tolerated here in Yonkers,” says Yonkers Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza. “This arrest reflects the strong partnership between our department and SPCA Westchester’s Humane Law Enforcement Unit, working together with our community to protect those who cannot protect themselves.”
“As a dog owner and animal lover, I find these cases to be especially heartbreaking. It never ceases to amaze me the depths of depravity some people fall to when it comes to abusing our four-legged friends,” says DA Susan Cacace. “I am thankful for the great work of the SPCA and the Yonkers Police Department on this investigation and will be honored to fulfill our duty as prosecutors to bring this case to justice.”
Anita Martin is scheduled to appear in Yonkers Criminal Court on February 9th.
*If you witness or suspect an animal is being neglected or abused, please call the SPCA’s Confidential Cruelty Hotline at (914) 941-7797. SPCA Westchester is NOT affiliated with any national animal welfare organizations. Learn more at spcawestchester.org.