ASPCA Arrests Two Brooklyn Residents in Separate Animal Cruelty Cases

NEW YORK— Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) agents of the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) have arrested two suspects in separate animal cruelty incidents. The animal victims, two dogs, suffered from various forms of neglect and abuse. 

On April 3, Alex Dykes was arrested for allegedly beating his one-year-old male shih tzu mix, named Bentley. In September, HLE agents responded to a residence in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn to investigate a complaint of a dog in need of medical attention as a result of having been beaten. Agents found the dog to be in pain and with abnormal posturing; they transported him to the ASPCA Animal Hospital for treatment. Upon intake, Bentley was treated with oxygen, and veterinarians concluded that he had sustained a brain hemorrhage and a fractured skull and jaw due to blunt force trauma. He is currently being fostered.

Dykes, 49, was charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty, a felony, and one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. If convicted, he faces up to two years in jail and/or a $5,000 fine.

In a separate incident, Venus Laventure of East New York was arrested on February 25 for allegedly neglecting her six-year-old male Chihuahua, named Vampiro. In mid-January, HLE agents responded to Animal Care & Control’s (AC&C) Brooklyn facility to investigate a report of a skeletal dog that had been abandoned at a pet store. It was determined that the dog had been adopted from AC&C in 2006 by Ms. Laventure. Agents subsequently took custody of Vampiro and transported him to the ASPCA Animal Hospital. ASPCA veterinarians determined that in addition to being blind, Vampiro was emaciated, dehydrated, and had an untreated skin ailment—conditions that were caused by prolonged inadequate nutrition. Vampiro was given IV fluids, medication, water and a balanced diet. He will soon be made available for adoption.

Laventure, 50, was charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. If convicted, she faces up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. She is due in court on May 13.

To report animal cruelty in New York City, the ASPCA encourages the public to contact its Humane Law Enforcement department at 877-THE-ASPCA (843-2772) or [email protected]. For crimes in progress, individuals should call 911. Outside of New York City, individuals should contact their local humane organization or police department.