from the ASPCA, Manhattan Man Arrested for Beating Dog and Girlfriend
posted on:
Apr '09
10
9:16am
Early last week, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Special Agent Debbie Koch arrested Manhattan resident Richard Smith, 24, on multiple charges related to domestic abuse. Smith allegedly assaulted his 21-year-old girlfriend and severely beat a two-year-old Shiba Inu belonging to the girlfriend’s sister. Multiple attacks on the dog allegedly occurred in the last few months.
“As we have seen in the past, the brutality associated with domestic violence all too often affects other members of the household, including pets,” says Joe Pentangelo, Assistant Director, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement.
The dog, named Michigan, was brought to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital (BMAH) on March 25 in a state of distress. ASPCA veterinarians discovered that she had sustained 12 fractured ribs and suffered from trauma. Michigan is currently recovering at BMAH and will be reunited with her owner.
Smith was charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty and assault. If convicted, he faces up to two years in jail and a $2,000 fine.
If you know of an animal who is being hurt, please report it—those who assault animals often abuse the people in their lives, too. To report animal cruelty in New York City, contact the ASPCA’s anonymous tip line at (877) THE-ASPCA. Visit our Report Cruelty FAQ to learn how to report cruelty elsewhere.
“As we have seen in the past, the brutality associated with domestic violence all too often affects other members of the household, including pets,” says Joe Pentangelo, Assistant Director, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement.
The dog, named Michigan, was brought to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital (BMAH) on March 25 in a state of distress. ASPCA veterinarians discovered that she had sustained 12 fractured ribs and suffered from trauma. Michigan is currently recovering at BMAH and will be reunited with her owner.
Smith was charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty and assault. If convicted, he faces up to two years in jail and a $2,000 fine.
If you know of an animal who is being hurt, please report it—those who assault animals often abuse the people in their lives, too. To report animal cruelty in New York City, contact the ASPCA’s anonymous tip line at (877) THE-ASPCA. Visit our Report Cruelty FAQ to learn how to report cruelty elsewhere.
