Crime & Safety

After Dog's Death, SPCA Charges Carmel Woman with Animal Cruelty

A 26-year-old Carmel woman is facing a misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty after Suzy, her 15-year-old mix-breed dog, died. The animal was severely emaciated, according to officials.

Members of the Putnam County SPCA Humane Law Enforcement Department arrested the woman Thursday, after two weeks of investigation. She's accused of failing to provide sustenance and neglecting the animal.

"A Northern Westchester emergency veterinary hospital had contacted the Putnam County SPCA approximately two weeks ago regarding the alleged severely neglected dog, which ultimately expired in their emergency room," authorities said, adding that the owner brought Suzy in because she thought the animal had died. "The dog was found suffering from severe emaciation, infected pressure sores on its sternum and scabbed-over ulcers on its face and hind legs."

SPCA Chief Ken Ross called the incident "one of the worst cases of an emaciated animal" he has ever seen.

The defendant—who portrays herself as an avid animal lover, according to this Hudson Valley Reporter story—was processed at the Town of Carmel Police Department. Her arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 6 in Carmel Justice Court. 


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