ASPCA Assists NYPD in Seizure of 50 Dogs, Forensic Evidence Collection in Bronx Dog Fighting Case Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/06/21/4580701/aspca-assists-nypd-in-seizure.html#storylink=cpy

NEW YORK, June 21, 2012 — /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), in conjunction with the NYPD Vice Enforcement Division and Bronx District Attorney’s office, is assisting in the removal, forensic evidence collection and on-scene documentation and sheltering of 50 dogs seized from a dog fighting operation this afternoon at 1254 Sherman Avenue, a six-story apartment building in the Bronx.

Raul Sanchez of the Bronx was charged with animal fighting, a felony. Other related charges may follow.

Many of the dogs, which range in age from 12 weeks to five years, exhibited injuries indicative of fighting. They were living in a windowless basement, which included a makeshift arena with estimated capacity for 100 spectators. Also recovered were a loaded .25-caliber handgun, 22 crude wooden cages, multiple pet carriers, U.S. currency, and paraphernalia associated with dog fighting, including dog treadmills, harnesses, muzzles, syringes, and a shopping cart full of raw chicken parts.

“Organized dog fighting is a brutal form of animal abuse where dogs are exploited and forced to fight as their owners profit from their torture,” said Howard Lawrence, senior director of operations for the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement department. “The dogs we saw today exhibited scarring and injuries consistent with fighting dogs. The ASPCA is determined to protect New York City’s animals from this form of cruelty.”

A search warrant was executed Thursday afternoon for the removal of the dogs. The dogs are being transferred by the ASPCA to a temporary shelter for further evaluation by the organization’s emergency response medical team.

In addition to removing the animals and collecting evidence, the ASPCA is providing legal support to the Bronx district attorney’s office to help prosecute the case.

The investigation is continuing.

News Link:-http://www.sacbee.com/2012/06/21/4580701/aspca-assists-nypd-in-seizure.html 

ASPCA: Queens Woman Charged With Animal Cruelty After Pit Bull Found ‘Near Death’

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – A Queenswoman has been arrested for allegedly neglecting and starving her young pit bull.

Zellie before receiving treatment at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital.

Back in March, Humane Law Enforcement agents with the ASPCA were called to a home in the Richmond Hill section of Queens after someone reported a dog was tied to a tree with no food or water, officials said.

When officers arrived, the found a thin 1-year-old pit bull named Zellie collared with a padlock and tied to a tree on a short chain with no access to food or water in the back yard, according to the ASPCA.

Zellie’s owner, Shakisha Codling, turned the pup over to the ASPCA and Zellie was taken to an animal hospital for treatment.

When vets first examined Zellie, officials said she weighed only 32.1 pounds.

“Veterinarians determined that Zellie was near death and if somebody hadn’t been good enough to call, she could have died from her neglect,” said Joe Pentangelo with the ASPCA.

But since then, Zellie has recovered. She gained 15 pounds in about three months and will soon be available for adoption.

News Link:-http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/06/18/aspca-queens-woman-charged-with-animal-cruelty-after-pit-bull-found-near-death/