ASPCA Makes Arrest in Case of Starving Puppies Abandoned in Apartment

Monday, January 14, 2013 - 12:00pm
Starving Puppy

Photos: [top] Jack and [bottom] Jill, before and after receiving treatment at the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital.

Can you imagine leaving your pets behind in your former home, even in the worst possible circumstances? We can’t either. And yet, after Jerome Smith, 23, was evicted from his Harlem apartment, he chose to do just that to his six-month-old puppies.

When New York City Animal Care & Control officers opened the door to Smith’s former home in September, they found Terrier mix puppies Jack and Jill, all alone and in bad shape.

The officers called ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement, and our agents brought the pups to ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital right away.

ASPCA veterinarians found Jack and Jill to be dehydrated, malnourished and severely underweight. Jack weighed 12.7 pounds and Jill weighed 8.5 pounds. By contrast, after being fed a balanced diet and receiving treatment by ASPCA staff, Jack now weighs 36.5 pounds and Jill weighs 30.3 pounds—a 187 and 256 percent increase, respectively.

The ASPCA arrested Smith in December. He was charged with two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. If convicted, he faces up to two years in jail and/or a $2,000 fine.

Jack and Jill's story ends happily. On January 13, Jill was adopted! Jack is waiting for a forever family at the ASPCA Adoption Center, located in Manhattan. To learn more about how you can adopt Jack, please visit the ASPCA Adoption Center online.

Update 1/18/13: We are thrilled to report that Jack was adopted!

If you suspect you’ve witnessed animal cruelty, please report it.

Tags: 
Animal Cruelty
Humane Law Enforcement
NYC
We Were There

Comments

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 14:54 — Donna Myatt (Visitor)
How could anyone mistreat a animal. They give so much unconditional love

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 14:58 — David (Visitor)
All I can say is I wish I had an endless amount of money like A super hero so I could become an animal crime fighter and save the animals and whoop up on the people causing the abuse. if anyone has the money and wants to fund their own personal Animal Crime Fighter let me know. Every abused animal needs a HERO! Will you be that Hero?

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 15:02 — Ana Capote (Visitor)
Unfortunately inhumans that do this sort of horrific act don't receive the penalty that they deserve..a misdemeanor should have been a felony. What those puppies must have endured is heartbreaking....they should throw him in a cell and do the same to that peice of scum...let him endure what those poor innocent animals went thru...

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 15:17 — Geri Hunter (Visitor)
When are these people going to be severely punished? Is it time for an eye for an eye? Enough is enough!!! The strictess punishment is necessary. Get the word out, if you do this you will be accountable for your actions.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 15:21 — marie (Visitor)
i cant believe people who have no regard for an animals life. they should put this piece of shit in jail and starve him. maybe he would learn then.he shoulsnt be able to have another pet as long as he lives.thank god these poor babies were adopted and will be shown that not all humans are evil.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 15:33 — Pat Volk (Visitor)
How could he? Why did he? You can see the differenc in their faces before and after.why not just tkae them to a shelter/

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 15:45 — Jausen (Visitor)
There should be a minimum of a 5 year sentence. Up to two years of prison time, means he will probably only get 6 months. That's not long enough for a psychopath.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 15:48 — Beep (Visitor)
to just drop them off at a shelter, any shelter if you can't care for them any longer?

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 15:54 — Lisa (Visitor)
This is a case of someone that was too lazy to do the right thing. It makes me sick and I could not deal w/ these low life people on a daily basis. I give the humane officers and all that save animals a big hug for what they do each and every day. We are blessed to share our lives w/ animals. It's a shame that many see them as "just dogs" or "just cats" "just etc...."

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 15:55 — Kevin Weaver (Visitor)
I'm reasonably sure that many reading this feel as I do about these atrocities. They bring me literally to tears. I think in the short term, as a society we have to put in place laws that prevent animals of any kind even falling into the hands of humans who will abuse them in any way, shape or manner. It has been proven that the sick individuals that exhibit this kind of cruel behavior with animals usually go on to doing things like killing people -- even becoming serial killers. I agree wholeheartedly that in the long term, the only way we will get a handle on these problems is by educating the young properly. The major problem that we face today is that there is an enormous number of really sick individuals running around who could care less about any other living creature whether it be a dog, cat, human, you name it. Along the same lines of thinking we have to eliminate the possibility that firearms fall into the hands of these scumbags. I mean turn on the TV any day of the week and you will hear any number of horrible stories each one worse than the one before it. So, collectively as responsible and caring human beings, we unfortunately need to keep an eye open for any kind of "sick" behavior and deal with it very harshly before it escalates into something that threatens life or limb. Today's laws are pathetically lenient when it comes to animal abuse and MUST be changed to be much more severe -- thankfully we are headed in that direction, but on the other side we are allowing wolves to be legally shot for no other reason than they strayed out of the confines of Yellowstone Park. This makes sense?? Come-on people please look around and do what you can for all the great organizations that help protect innocent animals. They all desperately need your support. No, I don't work for any of them. "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." How great are we if we don't hold those accountable who mistreat our animals?"

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 00:24 — Cindy (Visitor)
Kevin.. well said.. and so true.. It's horrible what has been happening to the wolves. Ken Salazar is the reason they opened up killing wolves.. I hope the next interior sec. stops this madness.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 15:55 — Paola (Visitor)
Jerk!! I have 2 wonderful dogs and my family and I love them so much and since we are moving and most rented places don't accept animals i would NEVER EVER abandon my dogs or give them up to animal shelter and we did find a place to stay where they accept dogs and I can't imagine ANYONE doing that to poor poor animals they can't talk they can't walk like us!

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 16:02 — Hope/Grace (Visitor)
I am a member and am proud to say that nobody in the world should do animal abuse. It's not right and against the law. What has the animal ever done to you?

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 16:06 — mary (Visitor)
how could someone be so cruel people think dogs are trash i have 2 dog that i rescue from the street they bring joy to my life so that guy need to be put in jail with no food

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 16:13 — Joy (Visitor)
Yes, we have seen this. We had an appraisal business that called for us to physically visit houses. We found houses where people had moved out and left and the dogs sitting in the front yard. It was hard to coach them away from their former home because they were so loyal and still waiting for their family to come home.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 16:15 — Anneliese Thompson (Visitor)
Thank you ASPCA for rescuing these puppies. I could never leave my animals behind but many people do it without even blinking an eye. That's where you come in - ASPCA - you are my heroes!

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 16:18 — DENNIE (Visitor)
WHERE THE HELL WAS THE LANDLORD WHO EVICTED THAT JACKASS? HOW LONG DO THEY LEAVE AN APARTMENT THAT HAS BEEN VACATED BEFORE THEY CHECK IT. THE BUILDING MANAGER SHOULD HAVE ALSO BEEN ARRESTED

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 16:32 — tj (Visitor)
I hope he gets thrown in jail. More people who are cruel to animals should be thrown in jail. Just wish the two pups could have been adopoted as a pair.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 16:43 — Darlene Jones-Martin (Visitor)
Maditory Jail time and Manditory fines for cruelty towards animals.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 16:44 — Sherre Lacy-Hayes (Visitor)
Thank God for you. Have been unemployed a long time. Hoping that changes so I can resume sending you money (at least once a year). Thank you for all that you do!!!!!!! :)

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 16:51 — Liz (Visitor)
We need tougher laws. ASPCA, l would work for free or l need some direction to open a rescue where l live. Help?!

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 17:09 — Josie (Visitor)
Thank you for rescuing these babies. I hope that smith gets jail time and a fine. He deserves the maximum punishment and more for what he did.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 17:21 — Marie (Visitor)
In my opinion, any person(s) who are found guilty of abusing any kind of animal(s) should be registered on a nationwide computer stating that they can NEVER own any kind of animal ever again during their life.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 17:28 — Margaret (Visitor)
As terrible as this could have been for these pups, I would first of all ask "Who gave or sold these pups to this young kid that lived in an apartment!?" That's where the problem started. Puppies are a lot of work/mess & obviously this kid wasn't up to the task. Also, when faced with a life crisis we often don't make the best or well-thought out decisions. So, should he face some penalty? Absolutely YES. But, at the same time, I hope he regrets what he did and learns from it so he can become a positive influence in life. That would be a better outcome than throwing all this negativity at him.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 17:29 — Stephen (Visitor)
As sad as this story is, it happens far too often. For years, I managed properties in Tampa Bay. Long before the housing crisis and economic collapses took place, I was always diligent in checking any apartments or homes where an eviction had taken place. I found everything from fish to kittens, puppies, turtles, and even an alligator. It's amazing how some folks think of animals as "disposable." I am very happy that these two found their way to loving homes. They certainly are beautiful.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 17:29 — Carrie (Visitor)
Our laws need to be a lot more tougher. This needs to be a felony not a misdemeanor.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 17:30 — Hiram (Visitor)
Jerome Smith if he goes to jail will get medical attention and three square meals a day thanks to our tax dollars. I say put him in jail and starve him with no medical attention. A fine will do nothing but throw out in the streets and the legal system will never recover the fine. The bastard .

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 17:36 — Rescie (Visitor)
This is NOT a misdemeanor, it is inhumane animal cruelty. Well, hopefully in the 2 years, IF he serves the full 2 years, someone will beat the tar out of him.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 17:45 — Lorraine (Visitor)
Laws for adoptions of pets should be similar to adoption for children. This would help cut the cost of rehabilitation after animals have been abused. God gave us everything including animals we should treat them as we want to be treated.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 17:48 — Maddy (Visitor)
Our animal cruelty laws are woefully inadequate. Anyone who would treat poor, innocent little puppies like this should be in jail for a long, long time.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 17:53 — David Girard (Visitor)
This article made me cry. I have donated to the ASPCA in the past and continue to support their efforts. Great ending and I hope both pups find a great loving home.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 18:12 — Donna (Visitor)
Let's try something new, let's get rid of the bleeding hearts and let's prosecute this scum bag to the fullest extent of the law!

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 19:03 — Ann (Visitor)
I hope this guy gets some time & a fine for his cruelty to his 2 puppies. I agree with comments before that animal cruelty laws should be tougher. I feel that there should be a National Database for animal abusers just like for child abusers. This database should be available to anyone who wants to look, kind of like "the Scarlet Letter". I would also suggest microchipping them to keep track of them. These people should NEVER be allowed to have pets or children either. If he can't take care of a pet, he wouldn't take care of a child either. I also believe their fines should go to organizations that rescue animals from abuse/neglect, like ASPCA & the Humane Society. In a more perfect world, if you could not take care of your pet, there should be number to call for a no-kill shelter to help find a loving home for that pet.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 19:16 — Korrine Tanner (Visitor)
I foster several cats for a local shelter,and I would NEVER consider doing anything so horrible. Anyone who abuses or neglects and animal should receive a lot more severe punishment!!

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 19:23 — diana (Visitor)
It's terrible how some people treat their animals, I know these people face jail+fines, which they usually skate on. I think courts should make these people do community services in animal shelters,lots of hours.Most of these people don't go to jail, since they are overcrowded!

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 19:23 — Karen McCormick (Visitor)
The animal who did this to these sweet babies need way more time behind bars and a much bigger fine and when he gets out donate his time to help in the shelter walk and FEED the animals and clean up after them for 5 years and when he gets a job order to give half of his pay check to the A.S.P.C.A.Then maybe just maybe he will turn his cruel life around,oh a no pets for this man the only pets that he would see are the ones that he is HELPING taking care of in the shelter under supervision..That's what i would give him if i was the judge,People who are being cruel to animals are getting away with it,with just a slap on the waist and a small fine.Come on stick it to them A.S.P.C.A Remember your speaking for the animals your their voice make it count.Thank You for your time Sincerely Yours and also a member Mrs.Karen McCormick

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 19:53 — MandarinOrange (Visitor)
What they need to do is get their priorities straight. Release the pot smokers and then you'll have plenty of space for those abusive jerks. People who inflict purposeful pain and misery are a bigger concern than pot dealers. Good grief.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 20:01 — Rina (Visitor)
I really fear for all animals. People just don't understand that animals are no different than humans. So glad these pups were saved.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 20:22 — Tracy (Visitor)
I only read a few of the comments here, but didn't see if anyone thought about the fact that this young man if down on his luck being evicted etc. Could have simply given the dogs to a shelter stating that he was no longer in a position to care for them. It's not a crime to give up your pets because you can no longer provide for them, but you still have to act in their best interest and welfare by leaving them with a responsible party or organization that is equipped to care for them. Many people say that it's just a pet not like a human baby or as some of the comments here about if he could do this to dogs he could do it to humans too. Personally, I don't see the difference it's a life you signed up to care for human, dog cat or even fish. They are defenseless, innocent and depend on you for everything and give love unconditionally. They also feel pain as we do, I have a cat and she is my child my baby I love and care for her and regard her just as I would another human. If something happened where I could no longer provide, food, shelter, medical care and love, I would need to ensure she was left with someone who could. Shelters will take animals and work to find them good loving homes. Personally I see no difference in taking an animal to a shelter or giving your baby up for adoption or leaving it at a fire station. Yet so many people do not.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 20:32 — Sharon Tupper (Visitor)
How can someone be so heartless? I do hope they find this guy very guilty for animal cruelty and he should be starved to the point where he loses weight too. Show him how it feels to be without food. I am totally against animal cruelty (every aspect of it) and I also love happy endings when those pets who were once neglected, found new homes with loving families. I am glad to hear that Jack and Jill got adopted.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 20:47 — Kerry Burkhardt (Visitor)
Stories like this make me sad for humanity and proud to be a member of the ASPCA.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 21:57 — Frankie D (Visitor)
People like this need to be made an example of, lets lock him in a room and not feed him until social services find him, then kick him in the fuckin head a few times

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 21:59 — meryl (Visitor)
People are such assholes. He should get 5 years not maybe 2 years in year.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 22:07 — Schuyler Grossman (Visitor)
They need to treat the owner the same way they treat there pets.It makes me mad.I don,t teat my cat bad at all.I give her fresh water every day and food.

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 23:22 — Tana (Visitor)
It is ashame the poor little things couldn't be adopted together, after being locked away together for so long they must have grieved when they were split up. They kept each other alive because by all means they should have both been dead especially with no water. and....SPHINCTER BOY should be chained to a tree in the middle of no where, stripped down and left there with no food and water for about six month and then really just put out of his misery!! because people like that are not only going to abuse an animal...their going to abuse their wife, their kids, do drugs, probably live a life of crime so really their just a waste of good oxygen anyway!!

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 23:42 — faith ditzler (Visitor)
they look so much better.thank god they were found.i am glad they have no issues. thank u for being the babies angels,faith

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 00:12 — Cindy (Visitor)
I have no love for a human who can hurt a dog.. or any other animal.. they only want to give us love and happiness. For anyone to do something like this to puppies.. well, he's not a human, he's a beast. He deserves to be flogged.

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 00:17 — monica (Visitor)
Someone should leave him somewhere to starve. What a horrible thing to do to those poor furbabies. So glad the ASPCA found them in time and helped them. This man is a poor excuse for a human being.

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 00:54 — Stacey (Visitor)
Animal abusers deserve to die! Our society has become WAY to permissive about people's rights and crap like that. Hurt and animal and we kill you. Wish it could be so!

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 01:04 — danielle stockdale (Visitor)
Hope he rots in Jail!! HUMAN GARBAGE!

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