ASPCA Arrests Bronx Resident for Abandoning Dog

NEW YORK—Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) agents of the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) arrested Bronx resident Patricia Reddick of Parkchester yesterday for allegedly abandoning her one-year-old female Brittany spaniel mix, named Marley.

On June 23, 2012, a passerby came across a dog that was tied to a fence in a park near the intersection of Seward and Underhill avenues in the Bronx. The individual called Animal Care & Control, whose officers picked up the dog and took her to their Manhattan facility. Shortly thereafter, ASPCA HLE agents were notified and transferred the dog to the ASPCA Animal Hospital for evaluation and treatment. After investigating the incident, it was determined that Ms. Reddick was responsible for abandoning Marley.

Upon intake, Marley was found to be thin and slightly dehydrated. She was given food and water and was vaccinated by ASPCA veterinarians. Marley is recovering at the hospital and will eventually be made available for adoption.

“Marley was left to fend for herself, which in addition to being illegal, is a violation of the trust your pet puts in you,” said Howard Lawrence, senior director of operations for the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement department. “Thankfully for Marley, a good Samaritan encountered her and contacted the appropriate authorities. Marley will now have an opportunity to find a loving home.”

Reddick, 62, was arrested by ASPCA Special Agent Joseph Vais. She was charged with one count of abandoning an animal, a misdemeanor offense. If convicted, she faces up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Reddick is due in Bronx Criminal Court on November 20.

For people who can no longer care for their pets, the ASPCA offers the following tips:

• Before relinquishing your pet, consult a reputable trainer or animal behaviorist for assistance. Many companion animals are given up by their guardians because of behavior problems—and in most cases, there are things that you can do to change your animal’s unwanted behavior.
• If you have made up your mind that you cannot keep your pet, try to find your pet a new home through your own personal contacts. Under no circumstances should you simply abandon your pet.
• Do not give up if you don’t find a home for your animal right away. Finding an ideal home for a companion animal may take considerable time and effort, but your pet’s future is in your hands.

To report animal cruelty in New York City, contact the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4450 or [email protected].