ASPCA Arrests Two Suspects in Separate Animal Cruelty Cases in the Bronx

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 cases. Both incidents occurred in the Bronx.

This morning, Anthony Martin was arrested for allegedly neglecting his 10-month-old male Dogue de Bordeaux, named Finley. In February, HLE agents responded to an address in the Morrisania section of the Bronx to investigate a complaint of a dog that was outside with no access to food, water or shelter. When agents arrived, they found the dog to be emaciated and have difficulty walking. Agents transported the dog, Finley, to the ASPCA Animal Hospital for treatment. Veterinarians found him to be suffering from paraphimosis and an untreated respiratory infection. They also found pieces of metal in Finley’s intestines and determined that his emaciated condition was due to starvation. Agents located Finley’s owner, Mr. Martin, who surrendered the dog to the ASPCA. Upon intake at the hospital, Finley weighed 37.7 pounds; after five weeks of treatment, he increased his weight to 65.5 pounds—a 74 percent gain. Finley is continuing to recover and will eventually be made available for adoption. 

Martin, 46, was charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. If convicted, he faces up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

In a separate incident, Rafael Lugo was arrested on May 8 for allegedly abandoning two cats in the Bronxdale section of the Bronx. In April, HLE agents responded to a complaint that two cats had been abandoned by their pet sitter, Mr. Lugo, after he decided that he no longer wanted to watch the cats. According to official reports, Lugo had been caring for the cats for a month and then abandoned them in an alley near his residence. The cats have yet to be recovered.

Lugo, 59, was charged with two counts of abandonment. If convicted, he faces up to two years in jail and/or a $2,000 fine. Anyone with information about the cats’ whereabouts is asked to contact the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement department: 877-THE-ASPCA (843-2772) or [email protected].

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.

Finley at intake at the ASPCA Animal Hospital and Finley five weeks after receiving treatment (74 percent increase in weight)

The two cats whose whereabouts are unknown (photos supplied by owner)