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

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 02:04 — E Marie DeShaw (Visitor)
This sickens me I do not know why people even go and get a pet if they are going to do this to them. Just leave them behind like they are garbage. He should get more than 2 yrs. Not enough he should not be fed and see how he likes it.

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 04:57 — Betty Priest-Gu... (Visitor)
Some people just have no heart, to leave helpless animals to fend for themselves, my heart breaks when i hear story's like this, I wish i could have a dog, but unfortunatly i live in an apartment and my landlord won't let me have a dog, tho we do have a sweet amle cat named Shamus, he is a real joy everyday he does the crazyiest things and makes us laugh and keeps us entertained.

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 05:57 — DVM Carrillo (Visitor)
As a veterinarian, I know that these dogs we here about to die of starvation and malnourished beyond belief. Thank you ASPCA for all your hard work. I believe that if it wasn't for this organization thousands of animals around the world would die without even a second chance at life. Thank you!

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 06:17 — Julie Sherlock (Visitor)
I love reading about these happy endings. You people do a wonderful job for all of these beautiful creatures. These events make me ashamed of the human race.

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 08:37 — Christa McTall (Visitor)
I have rescued two puppies much smaller then these in a parking lot. We should take these people out in the middle of the dessert and leave them there.

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 08:50 — John Boswell (Visitor)
Good thing this guy was arrested. So many have left their animals behind that are never tracked down and arrested. Happy for Jack and Jill !

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 09:19 — N (Visitor)
No animal should have to go thru that!

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 09:23 — andrea roosa (Visitor)
Please we need to petition to make animal cruelty more severe a crime. What is 2 yrs, $2000 fine compared to torture and abandoment? -crazy law

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 09:24 — Lourdes Olivares (Visitor)
We need to have stiffer punishment so they truly fit the crime. . . two more pups saved, thousands to go.

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 09:56 — Adrienne Camfield (Visitor)
He should not have abandoned the pets, especially starved. Harlem is such a lousy place. Over twice the weight is quite a bit. At least they were still alive.

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 10:09 — Bill Soper (Visitor)
Apart from the disgusting attitude of some owners as depicted here, the main cause is a built in "don't give a damn' attitude in general, and an 'its only an animal ' attitude to animals in general. Something has been sadly lacking in the way these people were brought up, and perhaps this is where the cause may lie. However, when these criminals are prosecuted, they are never asked to give an explanation for their behaviour. Even if they were of a belligerent attitude to the court, if it was common practice to expect an answer to be given, it would very soon become known that they were expected to explain themselves. The resultant publicity, also necessary, would ensure that even the thickest culprit would next time give greater considerations to his brainless actions.

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 10:43 — Fran (Visitor)
They should take this guy out and shhot him, or like another person said abandon them in a cell with no food and water. I adopted a little dog from out local shelter, and she was real thin and scared to death - she was shaking all over. She must have had a miserable life, but with some groceries and a lot of love, hugs and kisses, she is now very friendly, and loves to be paid attention to. She is a completly different dog. All it takes is love, food and care.

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 11:29 — Sara Harrington (Visitor)
The most important thing is to make sure the 23 year old abuser is never able to adopt or own animals again. The Animal Legal Defense Fund (gets 4 stars from Charity Navigator) is trying to have implemented a nation-wide registry of animal abusers so rescue shelters etc. will be able to make sure they never adopt out an animal to an abuser. Please help ALDF get this law implemented.

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 11:48 — Michelle Diebele (Visitor)
Wait a minute! I understand he left them there but where was the landlord after he was evicted. How long were they left alone before someone found them? They didn't get in this condition overnight.

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 12:24 — deborah (Visitor)
to who ever did this you are a piece of crap and I hope you get yours in jail..all you had to do was make a phone call and someone would have came to get them..I hope you die of starvation even just die who cares how, you piece of shit

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 14:08 — Virginia (Visitor)
So nice that Jill found a family! I know logistically it's not always and option, but I wish more animal families or buddies could be kept together. Hopefully Jack finds a good home too.

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 14:12 — kathy eckelmann (Visitor)
I am so very happy that these two dogs now have a better life. I agree the punishments for these people do not do enough. Just to let people know something else, my husband and myself had a person come to our house yesterday (he was from our insurance co.)asking if we owned any pitbulls; answer was no we have a little toy poodle and he asked a few other questions. Wanna bet if we said yes our insurance would have gone up or they would have dropped us. My husband was so annoyed he called the insurance agency and wanted to know why they wanted to know about pitbulls. Her response was well we would ask you to get rid of the dog or shop around for some other insurance. Can you believe this? I know pitbulls get a bad rap but I blame the owners for those dogs. I have met some very sweet pitbulls, can you imagine having to choose between your pet and your insurance co.? Just thought you would like to know about this, any comments?

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 17:04 — Susan (Visitor)
I think its mean what he did but at least they were inside and safe from harm. He could have thrown them out a car on the expressway or drove them to a field and left them. He probably thought at least someone would find them in a few days and rescue them inside an apartment. So in a way I think what he did was kinder than what we hear so many times on TV or the internet.

Sun, 01/20/2013 - 00:03 — lin (Visitor)
sorry, but how do you figure they were 'safe from harm' if they were left to die a slow death without food or water? If a person can't keep an animal then at least take it to the humane society in their area where they can have a chance at a new life with someone that wants them. Sick jerks like him have no place in society.

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 20:09 — aliyah gasper (Visitor)
wow that's hardly even a punishment he should be left in his house to starve for as long as he left those puppies!!

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 20:10 — aliyah gasper (Visitor)
wow that's hardly even a punishment he should be left in his house to starve for as long as he left those puppies!!

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 21:49 — lisa graetz (Visitor)
There is a special place in hell for Jerome Smith and all those like him. Boggles my mind that anyone could do this to any pet or ANY animal. Thank you ASPCA for all that you do and yeah for Jack and Jill who have found their forever loving homes...:)

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 23:14 — Patty (Visitor)
It is good to see that Jack and Jill are much better today. Our puppy was similar when we rescued him. He could not even walk without getting fatigued early. The orginal 'owner' had him tethered outside in a 3-4 foot space, did not feed him, and did not provide water. The 'owner' was a renter of the home. The homeowner did not agree with the treatment of the puppy and asked my husband if he wanted him. My husband sent me a photo text and I told him to bring the puppy home with him and not to leave there without him. The homeowner and my husband were able to encourage the guy to let the puppy go. Now, our puppy is healthy (without ribs, hips, and legs/shoulders poking out), he runs a good few hours a day (he is a Viszla/Lab mix-very high energy :), stays in the house, enjoys premium food and plenty of chew treats and toys, and is very social with our family, friends, other pets, and dogs we pass by during our walks. It was one of the best decisions we ever made by not turning our backs on a helpless puppy. But, this story of Jack and Jill brings up a question in my mind. Are there laws in place that allow owners to give up their pets similar to the laws that allow mothers to give up their babies? Although I could not imagine separating from my companion animals as they are family, I would think this could reduce the abandonment issue that some pets may face from the human companion's/owner's unemployment and evictions and so on.

Sun, 01/20/2013 - 00:00 — lin (Visitor)
This makes me so sick - I could cry! Sweet little puppies who did nothing but love that jerk and he did that. I agree with what someone said - people like him need to receive the same treatment they give animals. Anyone that hurts animals or children are the worst monsters of society. The saying is true: "You can judge a nation by how it treats its animals." Just look at Mexico and how they treat animals there - and other Latin countries. They electrocute them in the street. So sick. I think they need to make the punishment fit the crime. He should get years in jail - it was attempted murder.

Sun, 01/20/2013 - 02:20 — Starr (Visitor)
A fine is too easy. The 2 years in jail makes more sence. He should not be allowed to have contact with animals in the future. I bet 2 years behind bars would make an impression on the jerk.

Sun, 01/20/2013 - 10:52 — Tack Bradley (Visitor)
any chance that whoever adopted Jill will take Jack? I fostered puppies and tried so hard to keep some of them together. I think Jack and Jill need eachother. But at least she got a home. We can only hope for Jack. So sad!

Sun, 01/20/2013 - 13:43 — Dog Lover (Visitor)
Stories like this are so hard to read and yet provide such a feeling of joy that these dogs have been helped! The ASPCA to the rescue again! So glad these dogs have been saved! I will never understand heartless people who can do things like this to their sweet, helpless pets.

Sun, 01/20/2013 - 16:43 — Tatiana (Visitor)
I love animals

Sun, 01/20/2013 - 16:59 — Tatiana (Visitor)
I dont know who would have the guts to torture these poor animal. I cry every time I see these commercials and knowing that this is going on right now just breaks my heart. Good job ASPCA!

Sun, 01/20/2013 - 17:43 — BiscuitsMom (Visitor)
The owner's name is Jerome. Says it all . . . .

Sun, 01/20/2013 - 18:23 — Judy Lamon (Visitor)
Thank you, ASPCA, for saving and restoring Jack and Jill. I am so thankful that they have found good homes. You must get people to work on stronger legislation for animal cruelty. In my state we at least got it changed from a misdemeanor to a felony. One of my cats was left behind outdoors when one of my neighbors moved. They told me they were taking her with them, but they didn't. It was heartbreaking to see her waiting on their front steps every day for them to come home. I took her fresh water every day and then started taking her canned food at night and guarding it while she ate so no other animal could come and get it. Then over the 4th of July weekend I didn't see her for about a week. Found out that another neighbor had turned her in to the shelter here and told them she was a stray. I was LIVID! Went to the shelter and told them she wasn't a stray but had been abandoned by her owner. Then I had to pay to adopt her and get her out of there. I didn't need another animal but I couldn't leave her there. She didn't understand why she was locked up in a cage. I have another neighbor who has the most gorgeous Boxer. Her name is Jo. She was rescued. She had been abandoned and left behind in an apartment without food and water. People who treat animals this way should absolutely have the same fate. A fine is not strong enough and neither is jail time.

Sun, 01/20/2013 - 19:29 — Linda Peterson (Visitor)
I will never understand how someone can do this to these innocent babies. If the ASPCA hadn't gotten to them, they would have died a horrible slow death. That's why to me the punishment isn't tought enough, this lowlife left them to die. People are getting more abusive with animals and I think the punishment needs to get tougher. These puppies are like children, they need someone to care for them. They are not "just animals" they are loving and loyal and their life MATTERS. Hold that guy responsible for what he did. Sometimes I wish it was an eye for an eye, then the shoe is on the other foot.So happy those babies have a new home.

Sun, 01/20/2013 - 20:38 — Rebeca (Visitor)
People need to do the right thing I cant imagine that no one ever saw these dogs and yet they chose not to speak out shame on them as well!!!

Sun, 01/20/2013 - 20:55 — Amy Trosino (Visitor)
Thank you so much, ASPCA, for taking such tremendous care of these wonderful pups, and thank you to the adopters who took them into their homes! All the best and lots of love to Jack and Jill!

Sun, 01/20/2013 - 21:16 — Carol Dolan (Visitor)
This is just another case where the only real way to get your point across is take this scumb bag lock him somewhere and let him starve.......only this time no one goes back

Mon, 01/21/2013 - 11:43 — Patricia Toth (Visitor)
Let the punishment fit the crime. I have no use for anybody who hurts animals, children or old people who are defenseless. I can't even tell you what I would want to happen to them.

Mon, 01/21/2013 - 13:04 — Tina (Visitor)
What is wrong with our society and the world? We are all here together, we need to help each other and be thoughtful of each. No matter where you where raised or how you were raised isn't it common sense or a sense of duty to other living beings, not to hurt them or abandon them. They can not go beg at the corner or drive to the grocery store food. They were locked in an apt. with no way to try and fend for themselves. You are an incredibly selfish and evil idiot. We don't need people taking up space with that kind of mentality.

Mon, 01/21/2013 - 14:39 — Munchkin (Visitor)
These rotton people get away with these crimes constantly and something really needs to be done about it. Jerome Smith from Harlem, that's where you're from, suffer all the days of your life for doing what you did to those defenseless animals that didn't deserve that and rot in hell. You'll get just rewards someday in this life, I assure you that.

Mon, 01/21/2013 - 14:49 — Munchkin (Visitor)
I wanted to add to my last comment on this lowlife nothing person, they should leave you in a room, without food and water and let you shit and piss all over your ugly self. Thank goodness for the ASPCA and that's why I support them.

Mon, 01/21/2013 - 19:54 — diane (Visitor)
That's to ya'll alot of dogs and cats are saved. ASPCA has a place in heaven. Great job!

Mon, 01/21/2013 - 21:30 — catherine davis (Visitor)
He COULD get two years in jail? Not good enough! And he better get the maximum sentence or this will never stop!! people have to be punished for animal abuse in order for this to ever be prevented in the future.

Mon, 01/21/2013 - 21:38 — c (Visitor)
I just wanted to add that no punishment fits this crime. Animals are not able to open the door and go out to get food. They are at the mercy of humans and with people like this guy who claims to be human, they have no chance or surviving. Thank God for these rescue groups that care about these precious creatures. I think the time should fit the crime: lock them in a room without food/water and let them starve for as long as the animals did. Let them see what it's like and maybe, just maybe, they would never do anything like this again. The sentencing for anmal abusers is a joke; they literally get away with murder and unless we do more, these abuses will continue. This along with hundreds of other things that I read, makes me sick.

Mon, 01/21/2013 - 22:23 — Daphne (Visitor)
In every housing unit that we lived in, someone would abandon a few dogs or a cat in the apartment he or she and the family left behind. In Germany, cats were being born in the stairwell; in Fort Knox, dogs and cats were found in the basement of more than one place. I have no idea why people think moving with a pet is so hard, but apparently many military families do. (We moved 2,800 miles with a giant dog and four cats, and it was not impossible.) If you are ever giving pets away for free near a miltary community, please make sure to ask any military family seeking to adopt from you how often they have given pets away because they have moved, and if you are suspicious of someone's denying it, do not adopt the pet out.

Tue, 01/22/2013 - 06:35 — Karen Giammarco (Visitor)
What an ass for leaving them poor helpless animals. I say put him in jail, fine him more than $2000 and most of all starve him til he is almost dead. Who cares about his health. I have no use for humans that abuse and neglect these animals. If they cannot care for them, at least give them to a person(s) who can help them. I live in Ohio and we need harsher punishments for animals abusers. Our law makers here are so damn selfish, they pass stupid laws and we cannot get them to pass a law against animal cruelty and abuse. These politians need to be abused and tortured themselves to know what these animals are going through. Shame on them. Thank God the dogs were rescued and you are the best for helping them.

Tue, 01/22/2013 - 09:47 — teresa (Visitor)
MAKE ABUSE LAWS TOUGHER AND THEY STICK!!!!!

Tue, 01/22/2013 - 22:43 — Debbie Gordon (Visitor)
Thank you to the ASPCA for taking care of these beautiful puppies!!

Thu, 01/24/2013 - 11:35 — Kathrin (Visitor)
til I looked at the receipt four $4334, I have faith that my neighbour was like actualy bringing home money in there spare time on-line.. there dads buddy had bean doing this for only fourteen months and a short time ago took care of the loans on their house and got a great Lancia. I went here, FAB33.COM

Thu, 01/24/2013 - 16:12 — Lorena (Visitor)
What does this have to do with this story or rescuing animals?

Thu, 01/24/2013 - 14:41 — Chris (Visitor)
I don't have a Car. I use to be able to go out and catch and take animals to a shelter. But with my health, I can't anymore. And there are so many strays, and even have neighbors that Cats aren't fixed that let's their Cats out, and their Not Fixed, they say they can't afford to get them fixed, so they let them outside, and the cats are multiplying so much. I don't know what to do to help them all, I put food and water out, because it breaks my heart seeing so many outside. But this must be dealt with. And not sure where to go or who can do something about this. I know feeding them doesn't give them the care and love they need. How do I get people out here to rescue them?

Thu, 01/24/2013 - 16:08 — Lorena (Visitor)
I could not imagine any reason on this earth to leave your puppies behind. Even if you couldn't take them to your new place you could still find them homes or take them to a shelter and explain why you can not have them. I have 5 five month old puppies and I would never even consider leaving them behind. Their momma was a pregnant stray that we found at our job site and brought home. I already have a 12 yr old chihuahua/pom mix. She loves those puppies too. I can't imagine them not being in my life. I love all of them dearly! They have such great personalities! Love my dogs!

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