ASPCA Arrests Brooklyn Resident for Starving Her Shih Tzu

How could she? Last Saturday, the ASPCA arrested Nicole Dennis for allegedly neglecting and starving her one-year-old Shih Tzu, Dora.

Back in December, our Humane Law Enforcement Agents arrived at Dennis’ Brooklyn home and found Dora in a severely neglected state. They rushed the skeletal dog to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital where veterinarians discovered she weighed 6.55 pounds. Dora was put on intravenous fluids to combat dehydration, and her coat was shaved due to excessive, painful matting.

“You don’t have to hit, beat or kick an animal to be cruel to them,” says Howard Lawrence, Senior Director of Operations for the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Department. “Animal cruelty also includes situations where an owner fails to provide necessary food, water, shelter or veterinary care.” Since 2010, 83 percent of the ASPCA’s arrests have involved some form of animal neglect.

Dennis, 32, 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 Kings County Criminal Court on March 5.

After receiving intensive treatment, Dora now weighs 9.2 pounds—a 40 percent increase! She is continuing her recovery at the hospital and will eventually be made available for adoption.

If you suspect an animal may be the victim of neglect or abuse, please report it.