ASPCA Arrests Queens Woman for Neglecting, Starving Yorkie

Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - 4:15pm
Starving Dog

Hershey, before receiving treatment at the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital

Today the ASPCA arrested Queens resident Grimilda Amil for allegedly neglecting and starving her three-year-old male Yorkshire terrier, who has been recovering under our care for nearly two months.

Amil brought her Yorkie, Hershey, to an ASPCA Mobile/Spay Neuter Clinic on June 27. Alarmed at Hershey’s condition, Clinic staff called our Humane Law Enforcement Agents, who quickly responded.

Amil relinquished ownership of Hershey to the ASPCA, and Agents transported the tiny dog to Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital.

There, veterinarians determined Hershey— whom they found to be emaciated, anemic and suffering from pressure sores—had been starved. At that time, Hershey weighed just 5.2 pounds. Today he weighs in at 10.1 pounds, a 94% increase!

Hershey is completing his recovery in a caring ASPCA foster home. When he’s ready, he’ll be made available for adoption.

Amil, 55, was 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 October 4. 

If you suspect you’ve witnessed animal cruelty, please don’t hesitate to report it.

Tags: 
Animal Cruelty
Humane Law Enforcement
NYC

Comments

Thu, 08/23/2012 - 14:54 — Karol (Visitor)
a crime like this should be dealt like the person did it to another person... besides, dogs are man`s best friend!

Thu, 08/23/2012 - 21:34 — Nicole Gamache (Visitor)
I cannot fathom abusing an animal! All they want is love!! I completely agree that those who do the acts of cruelty should suffer the same cruelty! This is disgusting! My dog greets me at the door and provides nothing but love!

Sun, 08/26/2012 - 12:30 — tori (Visitor)
i can not belive how many people abuse animals i think they should never be abel to adopt a animal!

Fri, 08/24/2012 - 15:01 — carole (Visitor)
for some reason i thought i was the only one that believed in an eye for an eye in animal abuse. it's so great to know i have company! then again, the life in prison on a bread and water diet doesn't sound half bad: i've read it's a very painful diet!

Fri, 08/24/2012 - 18:26 — Mary Carpenter (Visitor)
Nope! you've got a lot of company!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 11:45 — Nancy Mehan (Visitor)
I agree with you; treat the owner of an abused animal in like manner as they treated the animal.

Fri, 08/24/2012 - 15:43 — Beverly Doty (Visitor)
I also feel that anyone who abuses an animal should be given the same punishment. I feel our laws are not strong enough for animal abuse and they need to be tougher. Just a fine? Thats a slap on the wrist. Whatever the abuse, the abuser needs to "feel the pain" in all ways. And this is my feeling for abuse of any and all animals, small and large, indoor and outdoor!!!

Thu, 08/30/2012 - 15:54 — Zoe (Visitor)
I can't agree more

Thu, 08/23/2012 - 20:35 — Caroline (Visitor)
About the male Yorkie who was starved. What punishment did his owner get? Eye for an eye - I hope they fined AND starved her so she'd feel his pain! I hope you found him a great home!

Fri, 08/24/2012 - 09:43 — lisa (Visitor)
AMEN!!! starve her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thu, 08/23/2012 - 20:37 — Karie Michaels (Visitor)
This just makes me SICK!! I volunteer for a local rescue group and have 3 rescue Yorkies myself. I don't understand how someone can do this to a living creature! I hope she is punished to the fullest extent and never owns another dog or other animal again!!

Thu, 08/23/2012 - 21:10 — DONNA (Visitor)
I don't understand why there aren't stricter penalties for animal abuse. Also, people should report abuse if they are aware of it. Why anyone would want to starve or abuse an animal is beyond comprehension! I agree that the legal system should institute the "eye for an eye" law to stop these awful atrocities!

Thu, 08/23/2012 - 20:37 — Geena (Visitor)
send her to jail! awful people!

Thu, 08/23/2012 - 20:40 — ivette (Visitor)
Can i have it to adopted i have a female yorkie 2 years old and shes my life ....omg poor baby dog ...pleaseeeee 9176454840

Sun, 06/02/2013 - 00:51 — Karol (Visitor)
Piece of writing writing is also a excitement, if you know after that you can write if not it is complex to write.

Thu, 08/23/2012 - 20:49 — Linda Heintze (Visitor)
This makes me sick. What did she say when she brought him in? Just send her to jail for life with only bread and water. Hate people.

Wed, 11/07/2012 - 11:59 — Donna Garrett (Visitor)
God's word says that if you love God, but hate your brother then your are a liar. If you are saved and you love God, but hate your brother then you hate God because you can't hate your brother and love God,too.I know t his because I read and research the bible everyday.

Mon, 12/03/2012 - 18:02 — Michele (Visitor)
The Bible also says that from the beginning we are to treat animals kindly; man's first job was to care for God's creation. I agree, this woman needs psychiactric help, and stronger punishment.

Thu, 08/23/2012 - 20:54 — Stacy (Visitor)
This type of behavior makes me fighting mad! I have 2 papillons who I love dearly and would do anything for them. This is so stupid! Our pets are totally dependent on us to provide for their needs, and it just breaks my heart to think there are some pets out there that have to do without because their owners are worthless!!!

Thu, 08/23/2012 - 20:54 — Lili (Visitor)
Good job ASPCA for taking action and reporting this woman. I think she should go to jail and not given the option to pay a fine. There should be a zero tolerance to Cruelty to animals and it should be punishable by imprisonment

Fri, 08/24/2012 - 22:58 — Darlin (Visitor)
No option--jail time required AND banned ownership of animals forever. Now if they want to ADD a fine on top of that...even better. Cut 'em no slack!

Thu, 08/23/2012 - 20:58 — Lisa (Visitor)
She should be locked up and deprived of food.

Thu, 08/23/2012 - 21:09 — amy (Visitor)
can i adopt this dog?

Thu, 08/23/2012 - 21:59 — Brittany (Visitor)
That woman should get alot more than that!!

Thu, 08/23/2012 - 22:15 — Edie (Visitor)
Cruelty to animals is inexcusable! No words can express my feelings about cruel people. They will get what they deserve....I have to believe this!

Wed, 11/07/2012 - 12:17 — Donna Garrett (Visitor)
If they have children, animal abuse isn't the only thing that will be abused in that family. the children will come next. Stop Animal Abuse!!!! Stop Child Abuse before it continues to happen. Put the abuser behind bars where he or she belongs.

Thu, 08/23/2012 - 22:29 — Donna Warner (Visitor)
This evil woman should be locked up and deprived of food! Hope she is looking forward to going to that special hell for animal abusers!

Fri, 08/24/2012 - 10:17 — Jane (Visitor)
Amen to that!

Fri, 08/24/2012 - 11:28 — Deborah Hans (Visitor)
I love Yorkies. They are adorable little dogs with huge hearts. What kind of monster could watch her dog satarivng to death right before her very eye and not feed it? This atrocious cruelty makes me sick. Anyone who is so evil should be separated from civilized human beings and all animals forever.

Sat, 09/01/2012 - 00:54 — anne warner (Visitor)
If i live to be 100 i will NEVEnderstand how people can be cruel to an animal. whyon do these people have animals, i ask myself. it is beyond comprehension. How could she sit around and watch the dog starving to death. i wonder what prompted her to take it to the vets eventually, is she mentally challenged, or just plain ignorant?

Thu, 08/23/2012 - 22:35 — Lisa (Visitor)
What is with New York? First is the story about the N.Y. woman that dragged her Yorkie behind her car and wore the pads off his feet & now this. I hope their is a good animal-loving judge out there to throw the book at these people.

Thu, 08/23/2012 - 22:52 — Patricia (Visitor)
What goes around comes right back around to slap one in the ass. This woman will be neglected and starved in some way. Yeah!!!!

Thu, 08/23/2012 - 22:57 — Cathy Feagin (Visitor)
Put the B**** in a room and don't give her water or food for a while. See how it feel's. I have NO SYMPATHY for people who abuse animal's, abuse children, abuse elderly.

Thu, 08/23/2012 - 23:27 — Barry Adams (Visitor)
I am tired of hearing horror stories. Please start telling us what happens to these individuals AFTER the arrest. Clearly, arresting people is not working, in the absence of demands for stricter sentances. What are you doing to change the laws? Please start telling us what happens AFTER the arrests.

Sat, 08/25/2012 - 23:12 — Linda J. Palos (Visitor)
I totally agree I want to hear outcomes of these sick individuals. Justice done.

Fri, 08/24/2012 - 00:06 — Zana Fong (Visitor)
She should go to jail and stop finally giving them only a slap on the wrist for such abuse!!!! Enough is enough! SHE should NEVER ever have any animals allowed = make sure of it and check on her and people like her. THEY do not deserve a second chance with a living being after trying to kill it!

Fri, 08/24/2012 - 08:18 — rene (Visitor)
We have a family of yorkies 7 to be exact. WITH 2 babies, These little ones are my world, this person? I can't even call her that, should have the book thrown at her. Yorkies are the most lovable little one's ever, they love you unconditionally and are your BEST FRIEND ALWAYS, no matter what. THE COURTS NEED TO BE MORE AGGRESSIVE WITH THESE PEOPLE. NOT JUST A SLAP ON THE HAND, AND A FINE. LET THEM FEEL THE PAIN THAT THESE LITTLE GUYS FEEL. THEY SHOULDN'T EVEN GIVE HER BREAD AND WATER.

Fri, 08/24/2012 - 09:02 — Elizabeth Hurlbut (Visitor)
Why?

Fri, 08/24/2012 - 09:39 — Ronni Goddard (Visitor)
Lock her up and lose the key - forever!

Fri, 08/24/2012 - 09:41 — Jules (Visitor)
I will never, ever understand how someone can do these things to animals. They simply want our love and attention. I love my babies dearly and cannot imagine something even remotely small happening to them, let alone starving. Poor little buddy, im certain he will find a great home.

Fri, 08/24/2012 - 09:44 — Lawana (Visitor)
I hope the woman who owned this dog reads all the comments listed. What a pathetic piece of human waste you are. Love to get my hands on her and give her my black belt martial arts butt kicking. NO MERCY!!!! I hope Hershey finds a home he deserves with lots of love and FOOD!!!!!!

Fri, 08/24/2012 - 09:44 — Lisa (Visitor)
In addition to the jail term/$1000 fine this person should have to pay $19/mo to the ASPCA for three years (the amount of time she owned the dog).

Fri, 08/24/2012 - 17:32 — Brenda DiTrapani (Visitor)
I like your solution of having to support an animal shelter along with time in jail and a fine. Something more needs to be done to stop this kind of treatment! The only change I would make to your suggestion is to make it a LIFETIME payment to a shelter!! Thanks, ASPCA for all you do for animals!

Fri, 08/24/2012 - 09:46 — Amy Kaelin (Visitor)
When are they going to change the law to make this a "Felony" crime for animal abuse. I am so sick of people who just get slapped on the hand for mistreating and abusing, poor innocent animals. I am sick of it....I hope she serves time and is not give anything but food and water - Once or twice a week, if that.

Fri, 08/24/2012 - 09:49 — Kaye (Visitor)
That woman should be prevented from EVER having any more pets. If that can't be done, she should be checked on periodically to see if she has any new pets. And if she does, they should be THOROUGHLY checked over--from tip to tail. And if there are any signs of abuse, the pet should then be immediately confiscated by the ASPCA.

Fri, 08/24/2012 - 09:50 — barbara D'Esposito (Visitor)
I still think they should make animal cruelty a felony.

Fri, 08/24/2012 - 09:55 — Susan Shore (Visitor)
While my heart aches for this poor dog, I can't help but think that the owner is either mentally unstable or incredibly ignorant and that she herself needs help. To automatically arrest people who bring mistreated animals into an SPCA clinic or shelter will stop those people from doing so and will only result in continued abuse and/or abandonment of animals. These cases need to be handled differently than other abuse cases.

Fri, 08/24/2012 - 11:01 — Jane (Visitor)
I totally agree... the woman is probably mentally disturbed or something to not understand that a dog needs food. Perhaps she is poor and without food herself and that is why she took the dog to the Mobile Unit? Seems there must be more to the story. I hope she is investigated further.

Fri, 08/24/2012 - 11:51 — melanie wilcox (Visitor)
Thank you for a reasoned comment that doesn't demonize a stranger. No one ever seems to 'walk a mile in their shoes' anymore.

Fri, 08/24/2012 - 11:52 — melanie wilcox (Visitor)
Thank you for a reasoned comment that doesn't demonize a stranger. No one ever seems to 'walk a mile in their shoes' anymore.

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