ASPCA Announces Two Arrests for Cat Abuse

NEW YORK—Humane Law Enforcement agents of the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) made two arrests this week for animal cruelty.

Brooklyn resident Tiffany Feliciano, 30, was arrested on October 13, 2010 by ASPCA Special Agent Paul Lai for neglecting her 8-month old male cat.  ASPCA agents discovered the orange Tabby on September 1 in a small, filthy cage without food. The cat, known as Leo, was extremely emaciated and feared to be close to death. He was immediately taken to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital where veterinarians determined he would have died had he not received life-saving medical care. 

On October 14, Queens resident Davanand Raghunath, 26, was arrested by ASPCA Special Agent Debbie Ryan for starving and neglecting his 7-year-old female cat.  ASPCA agents discovered the cat in the basement of a store located in Ozone Park. Raghunath relinquished the cat, called Marty, to the ASPCA agents, who immediately took her to the ASPCA.  Marty was emaciated, dehydrated and infested with fleas and also close to death.

Both Leo and Marty are recovering at the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital and will be soon available for adoption once treatment is completed.  

Ms. Felicano was charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty and has an upcoming court date at Kings County Criminal Court. Mr. Ragunath was charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty and has an upcoming court date at Queens Criminal Court.