ASPCA Rescues Starving Pit Bull Chained to Tree

Monday, June 18, 2012 - 12:15pm
Before And After Of Starved Pit Bull

One-year-old Pit Bull Zelliewas just skin and bones when ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) Agents found her with no food or water. The neglected pup was shackled to a tree with a padlock attached to a short, heavy chain—and there was no escape for her. Not until we arrived.

Our Agents quickly rescued Zellie and transported her to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in Manhattan for treatment. Weighing just 32 pounds, veterinarians determined that she was both starved and dehydrated.

This Saturday, Shakisha Codling, 31, was arrested by ASPCA Special Investigator Mark MacDonaldand 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 Queens Criminal Court on July 31.

As for Zellie? After receiving treatment by ASPCA staff, she now weighs 48 pounds—a 51 percent increase!  She is currently receiving lots of love and attention at the hospital and will eventually be made available for adoption.

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If you suspect an animal may be the victim of neglect or abuse, please report it. Visit our Report Cruelty FAQ to learn how.

Tags: 
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Comments

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 20:11 — Terri Canavan (Visitor)
why doesn't punishment fit the crime? is it because they are only animals? that's such a lousy thing to say....they have feelings, she is such a beautiful little girl. Please give animal abusers punishments that hurt....

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 22:18 — shannon higginbotham (Visitor)
I 100% agree with you Terri Canavan!!!

Tue, 06/19/2012 - 07:58 — Elizabeth Philipone (Visitor)
I agree with you 100% - the punishment should fit the crime! A 1,000 dollar fine &/or a year in prison seems way too lenient!

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 05:34 — Kerol (Visitor)
Hey guys in the US, I am writing from a European (EU) country, here prison for these criminals has been in the law only for couple years but NONE has been actually sentenced for jail....though there have been many who deserve it...be grateful for your law, even when you think it is not strict enough!!!

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 20:15 — Rick (Visitor)
Glad to hear that these animals will finally have some justice...although even if she gets the max it's way to light. People that neglect their pets should be removed from society for at least 3 years and never be allowed to own another one.

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 20:15 — Judi Cornfield (Visitor)
This witch should be charged with a felony Not a misdemeanor, at least a full year in jail AND a big fine. Damn it, start punishing these animal abusers!!!!!

Tue, 06/19/2012 - 17:29 — johnnieg (Visitor)
She should be charged with a felony , but I bet the judge gives her community service . I am fed up with these lousy laws we have concerning animal abuse. Why can't we all start something with each state ? In mass!

Fri, 06/22/2012 - 11:14 — shayna (Visitor)
I agree, if every animal lover got together and fought to pass laws such as animals are not property and living breathing loving creatures that are part of or can be part of a family i would hope thinfs would change. Whats sad is that anyone can have a baby but that doesnt mean they are a good parent, the biggest reason people neglect and abuse animals is probably because they were never taught love and compassion, i cant imagine how these people treat their children. I understand the united states is a free country but if people were required bring their dogs to obedience classes or something i dont know, loving animals doesnt necessarly mean you can be a good dog owner, it requires love patience financial stability responsibility and a long term commitment, because the owner is responsible for their dogs life. If some one spends 1000 dollars on a "designer" dog bought online thats really from a puppy mill and cant afford their puppy shot series, getting them fixed, or if they have kennel cough then they shouldent have a dog, in my opinion. Not to mention adopting a dog is much better! Education is key!

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 20:15 — Pat Houle (Visitor)
First of all, the person/persons who abuse animals should be charged with a FELONY not a MISDEMEANER! One year in jail and a $1,000 fine! This is why they always repeat the offence at the poor animals expense. How many die unnoticed or unreported. Everyone I talk to who loves animals agree...it should be a FELONY conviction with more PRISON time and a much bigger fine. Maybe that would end it.

Tue, 06/19/2012 - 17:01 — Gail (Visitor)
I agree. Too bad this wasn't Massachusetts - this a**hole would've been charged with a felony!

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 20:17 — Angel Jones (Visitor)
I really wish there was a harsher punishment rather than a slap on the hand for something so wrong and cruel... Yes, it is punishment, but no way near severe enough, as an example needs to be made! How about we chain this person to a tree and make them undergo the exact same thing this poor dog experienced. I am so grateful to ASPCA for saving this dog and that she is doing so much better!!

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 20:20 — Kate (Visitor)
Too bad she (Shakisha Codling) can't be shackled to a tree with no food or water. Seriously, just because the "victim" is an "animal", the crime is a misdemeanor?! It was ATTEMPTED MURDER and the only reason it was attempted and not plain ol MURDER is due to the diligence and actions of the ASPCA. THANK YOU ASPCA and special thanks to Special Investigator MacDonald.

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 20:23 — Nancy McKay (Visitor)
I think that the punishment for this offense should be much more severe to say the least.

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 20:24 — Mara Comitas (Visitor)
So much for women & nurturing! Keshia Curtis, the woman who starved "Patrick" the pit bull is asking for Pre-trial intervention. If the judge agrees, she won't even get a slap on the wrist for starving this dog to what appeared to be death. Now, Shakisha Codling has pretty much done the same thing. Crimes against animals should not be taken lightly. I wonder if either woman would starve their children if they ever have them. They should both be harshly penalized. A lobotomy and sterilization wouldn't be a bad idea, either!

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 20:31 — Kyle (Visitor)
Another terrible story and another awful human being abusing animals. When will it stop? I know why it's not stopping anytime soon - this woman is facing misdemeanor charges. How will that possibly deter any other scumbag from committing an awful crime like this? Until serious consequences are enforced, and people go to jail for 10+ years for such an awful crime, it will not end. She should be brought out back and shot. Thank you ASPCA for saving this dog. Let's hope she finds a loving home where she will never fear for her life again!

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 20:33 — Dr Carole (Visitor)
Congratulations, ASPCA! I celebrate the kind spirits of your workers, and that this beautiful baby was rescued! What a prize of new health you have brought her. She is so fortunate that she will soon have a forever family! Congratulations, too, on the arrest,and bringing charges on the abuser here. It is difficult to get a case prosecuted, and you have to cover all the bases. As for the punishment? Prosecutors and judges are stuck with penalties as provided by LAW. It's easy to complain; takes a bit more effort to get involved in changing legislation. Every change in the law is proposed under procedures by legislators who must be convinced to bring it. Check out the laws in your jurisdiction. If they are inadequate, jump in! Petition, ask ASPCA, contact your legislator. I agree, the possible sentence here is woefully inadequate. Again, thank you, ASPCA! Carole Barnett, ASPCA Guardian

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 20:35 — Sandi (Visitor)
That charge is.... CRIMINAL!

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 20:40 — Debra Schoonover (Visitor)
It is such a shame that the law still makes it far less criminal to abuse, and kill, an animal as opposed to another human being. Animals have feelings, they feel pain...when you take the responsibility to have a pet, then you should be punished as if it were a child, too. Otherwise, don't make the choice! Why should an animals life be any less important?

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 20:41 — jjdk (Visitor)
...shackle Shakisha to a tree without food and water!

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 20:41 — Fran (Visitor)
I wish the law would change and be more for the victim not the abuser. I hope someone shackles the idiot who did this to poor Zellie to a tree and lets her starve. Zellie is a beautiful girl and I hope she finds a good home with good humans who will love her.

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 20:42 — Michelle (Visitor)
I think the punishment needs to be stifer to many people are getting by with this cruel abuse on these beautiful animals, im ashamed to call these people humans

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 20:52 — Elaine H Guss (Visitor)
48 states have now made animal abuse a felony, as it should be. It was hard for me to find out that New York was one of the ones that have not. Considering the ASPCA is located there and Burgh Memorial, must see the worst of the worst. I'm sure the people in these few ststes that have not put the felony charges into effect and need the support of their people, should ask for it and tell them what needs to be done. I'm sure they will make it happen. In the mean time Kudos to investigator MacDonald....the great work of the ASPCA and all the medical help from Burgh.. Elaine Guss Aspca Guardian.

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 21:00 — Aimee Hayden (Visitor)
A MISDEMEANOR, it should be a FELONY! I wish they could make that guy go hungry with no water for a week(at least) I saw an episode of Animal cops where the woman got, I think 2 days with only bread & water! LOVED IT, I just wish the judge had given her more time! A person would live for a week, I don't think that would be to cruel to do to some of these people that do these Horrible Crimes on animals.

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 21:10 — Irene P (Visitor)
Why is it that the pet food commercials on tv portray our pets as being our "children" and "family" when in reality such a large portion of them are treated as something less than worthy of our respect and care - it makes me sick, the hypocrisy of it. start punishing these abusers of other living things - where is our self respect?

Tue, 06/19/2012 - 17:04 — Gail (Visitor)
...and why are pet food commercials portraying their food as being good for pets? It's filled with nothing but crap! Goes both ways.

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 21:32 — PATRICIA (Visitor)
WHY?? A good question with no answer. Bless those who save animals from humans. We as humans should be ashamed of abuse and neglect of animasls or humans, yet, there are laws in place to punish the perpretators. One year and $1000.00??? Are you serious? I truly believe they should received the same sentence as their victims. To heck with civil liberties and all the insanity. No one has the right to harm to any degree any other living creature. Our government need to tighten up the laws, Serious jail time and a huge fine, if they cannot pay the fine then work their butts off picking up trash on the roadways. All we do is hope these heartless idiots do not have children or elderly people in their lives. They surely will be the next victim. So sad what humans have done to our world...

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 21:49 — Kelly Pitts (Visitor)
Awsome!!! That's what the ASPCA is there for. I only wish the penalty for these people was worse than the max penalty on this charge.

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 22:12 — Audrey (Visitor)
I hope she gets the jail time AND the fine. Even this punishment doesn't seem enough for the way this animal was treated. Animal cruelty punishment should be much more severe. People that commit these kind of acts need to know the severity of what they've done, and that it isn't anything to be taken lightly.

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 22:28 — Viviane Trevithick (Visitor)
Why do people like this take in a pet to start with? The animals are not the dogs and cats, it's these people. I signed the petition to make animal abuse a felony in our state. I'm sick of those scumbags who think nothing of abusing or killing animals. Bunch of sociopaths.

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 23:04 — Amber Marienthal (Visitor)
Why do we say someone is acting like an animal when he/she is crazed, criminal or insane? The piece of sh&t who tied this poor being to a tree is acting like a human - only we torture for sport. I sign everything I can, donate to many organizations that support animals, but change just doesn't come fast enough for me. Everyday I see these stories and lose hope. For each being saved, there are hundreds suffering.

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 23:13 — JoMarie (Visitor)
Some people take in animals strictly as an accessory or status symbol..Pit Bulls especially..this is horrendous..any person that can inflict this kind of neglect upon an animal has serious issues..and is not the kind of person that should be walking on our streets in my opinion..if you can do harm to a helpless animal what does that say about your character? Speaks volumes..

Tue, 06/19/2012 - 00:07 — Sandi Hull (Visitor)
Thank God this baby girl was saved.Sadly, it will continue to happen because many humans are selfish and cruel.If this idiot could walk away and feel nothing, I seriously doubt that she'll show up for her court date.And nothing will be done then, either.No real justice for Zellie; just an opportunity to have food and water - how pitiful society is.

Tue, 06/19/2012 - 00:14 — lisa (Visitor)
What is wrong with people who abuse animals? These creatures are so innocent. I'd like to shackle this stupid idiot person to a tree with no food or water and see how she does. Actually, I wish these sort of people would just disappear off this earth - they are horrible and foul people who contribute nothing good to the world!!

Tue, 06/19/2012 - 00:15 — lori acevedo (Visitor)
An eye for an eye!!!! I totally agree w/ Terri. Punishment NEEDS to fit the crime! All this cruelty NEEDS to STOP!!!!!!!!!!!

Tue, 06/19/2012 - 00:29 — valerie (Visitor)
THANK YOU FOR SAVING A BEATING HEART. LOOKS AS IF SHE STILL HAS ALOT OF LOVE TO GIVE EVEN AFTER THE ABUSE.

Tue, 06/19/2012 - 00:41 — Alanna (Visitor)
THANK YOU! GOD IS WATCHING AND HE IS SO HAPPY FOR THE LOVE THAT ASPCA PEOPLE HAVE FOR ANIMALS ...

Tue, 06/19/2012 - 01:00 — Jen (Visitor)
Wow! You can really see the difference in these pictures, in the first she looks so sad and defeated. What a beautiful, sweet dog she is. So happy she was rescued and is living the life she deserves!

Tue, 06/19/2012 - 09:36 — judylynn scott (Visitor)
AGAIN I will say-can we please chain her to a tree with a bowl of water 10ft away & food?? I promise you "we" won't tell!!!!!!

Tue, 06/19/2012 - 12:35 — Sadden by the news (Visitor)
If you google " Shakisha Codling" a facebook page for Shakisha Codling in Queens pops up. Could be her. Perhaps you guys should write to her... She doens't look like the type who can read but never know..

Tue, 06/19/2012 - 14:55 — Jen (Visitor)
Why can't the fine and punishment be the same as if the victim was human? Granted these idiots would still do what they do but maybe for some they'd think twice about it?! Shakesshirhasra whatever her loser name is, deserves jail and the fine if not more!

Fri, 06/22/2012 - 00:15 — roberta perlis (Visitor)
I can not stop crying. This should never happen. I hope that person get the maximum allowed and I hope stiffer sentences can be enacted and soon.

Fri, 06/22/2012 - 07:58 — Kim Reaser (Visitor)
I will never understand why someone gets a dog, chains it to a tree, starves it and ignores it. My babies have always been well fed, well loved, walked, played with and always received vet care. They are part of my family and are treated as such. These people shouldn't be having pets or children for that matter. How sickening.

Fri, 06/22/2012 - 08:05 — Coco (Visitor)
The person who did this to Zellie; the court should mandate the person to charged as a higher class charge, be fully financially liable for all vet bills, a monthly care charge for at least the next 5 years, required to volunteer a minimum of 10 hours per week for the recommended period of time Supervised ONLY cleaning up poop and cages at a local shelter, NOT be allowed to possess an animal in the period of time and obtain required counseling. The provisions for persons who commit deliberate animal abuse are too cushy, okay, the court makes a few dollars, but who pays for the rest???

Sat, 06/23/2012 - 07:31 — Kathie (Visitor)
Actually, the lawmakers need to pay attention to this matter more seriously. There are studies that show people who mistreat and abuse animals most likely do the same to children and women. It is a strong indicator of abuse in general, so this isn't just about animal rights anymore. That should be enough, but unfortunately there are pathetic people in this world who don't care about animals and see them as things. If we could get those insensitive jerks to see how it relates to people, maybe they'd start caring just enough to do something. The woman in this case isn't going to care and she'll probably never pay the fine (I doubt she can even afford it) or serve much (if any) time behind bars. She's probably the type of person who will just blame the situation on someone else or even the dog itself since obviously she doesn't understand the meaning of responsiblity.

Sat, 06/23/2012 - 11:11 — laura (Visitor)
We need to change the laws and make jail time real time!!

Sun, 06/24/2012 - 08:15 — Yiayia (Visitor)
ASPCA, My sister and I were visiting our Grandfather in Oakland California some weeks back for a few weeks. I from Chicago and Sis from Pennsylvania. We noticed in the next yard there were two starving Dogs. We went out and bought food and gave them water as well. We then called all over Oakland, every number we could find. If the numbers weren't disconnected then no one answered them. We called the Police and they gave us a number to call which led us back to a number we already called. Finally there was a girl who was vising from a nearby town and I took her over to show her the Dogs she was shocked and went home and actually got someone. The next morning Animal Control came and got them. The Dogs were more than anxious to go with them. This past week I got a call from Oakland Police and he was asking a few questions. He said the guy who owned the house was in jail but is out now and they don't know if they are his Dogs and since we are out of Town he doesn't know if there will be a case. WHAT THE HELL??? I think since those Dogs were left to die in HIS yard and him knowing that he should be held totally responsible! I wish I could get follow up on those dogs. They were beautiful dogs.

Tue, 06/26/2012 - 15:39 — Unleashed (Visitor)
Perhaps the "animal" that chained that poor pit should be chained to a tree without food and water for the same amount of time the dog was to get a taste of her own deplorable behavior! If you knew that you were going to be faced with your own treatment, you just might reconsider your actions. She's more of an animal than the dog she maltreated. Our Judicial system protects the human's (used losely) rights, but the dog was brutally victimized! Justice shouldn't be determined by the number of legs you have!

Mon, 07/02/2012 - 00:43 — John Smith (Visitor)
All animal abusers must be shot on sight. If you see someone abusing animals, kill them immediately. All animals have a right to life but not all humans do. If you kill an innocent being, you must be killed also. Fight against them. Kill, and win.

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