ASPCA Arrests Woman for Abandoning Dog at Local Park

Thursday, August 2, 2012 - 11:30am
Marley upon admission to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital

How can anyone just abandon a dog? We may never fully understand the motives behind such senseless acts—especially when there are so many options—but that is exactly what Patricia Reddick allegedly did to her one-year-old Spaniel mix, Marley.

On June 23, a passerby came across Marley tied to a fence in a park. The concerned person called Animal Care & Control, whose officers picked up the dog and took her to their Manhattan facility. Shortly thereafter, our team was notified and we transferred the skinny and dehydrated pup to ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for immediate treatment.

“Marley was left to fend for herself, which, in addition to being illegal, is a violation of the trust your pet puts in you,” says Howard Lawrence, Senior Director of Operations for the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement department. “Thankfully for Marley, a Good Samaritan saw her and contacted the appropriate authorities— she will now have an opportunity to find a loving home.”

Reddick was charged with one count of abandoning an animal, a misdemeanor offense. If convicted, she faces up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. She is due in Bronx Criminal Court on November 20. Marley is recovering at the hospital and will soon be made available for adoption.

If you feel you can no longer care for your pet, please check out these important tips first. And remember, animal cruelty is a crime in every state—if you see something, call 911. Please join our battle against animal cruelty today!

Tags: 
Animal Cruelty
Dog
Humane Law Enforcement

Comments

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 10:22 — Marcy Tumbarello (Visitor)
What is wrong with people? No compassion. While I do not, in any form, agree with what this woman did. I think she put it there in hopes of someone finding it and keeping it. Stupid move obviously but there are also people that leave animals abandoned in homes to slowly die. If anything, she should have left a note and some food and water. People need to realize it's a responsibility to have a pet and they should not be dumpted like trash. Poor pup, at least now it will find a good home. Thanks to the passer by who got involved. Good Luck Marley <3

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 21:53 — Rick Wingender (Visitor)
The more people I meet, the more I like my dogs. They're smarter.

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 08:40 — Jane (Visitor)
I completely agree. I know it's not considered "right" but I am also beginning to appreciate animal company over human. Would this woman tie up her child to a fence? She might actually - I just wish the penalties were more severe. People found guilty of animal cruelty should have to register like a sex offender so they can't go out and get another animal they like better or whatever. Makes me want to growl and bite

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 18:25 — Robin (Visitor)
You are so right

Sat, 08/04/2012 - 12:34 — Sidney Hardie (Visitor)
Kudos to everyone involved in the rescue, including the ASPCA, but does the ASPCA really have the authority to arrest people?

Sat, 08/04/2012 - 12:39 — Sidney Hardie (Visitor)
My apologies .. Should have researched it first .. per Wikipedia, you do have the authority to make arrests. Power and Authority of ASPCA Law Enforcement Officers ASPCA law enforcement officers are New York State peace officers under NYS Criminal Procedure Law 2.10[2] and may make arrests, use physical and deadly force, make car stops, issue summonses, and carry and use firearms, batons, pepper spray, and handcuffs. ASPCA Law Enforcement officers may seize any stray or abandoned animal on public streets in accordance with N.Y. Agriculture & Market laws Section 373 subsection 1.[3] ASPCA Law Enforcement officers may lawfully seize any animal on private property that has been kept for more than 12 hours in an unhealthy, dangerous or unsanitary condition in accordance with NY Agriculture and Markets Law Section 373 subsection 2 provided a complaint has been filed.[4] ASPCA Law Enforcement officers with a court order may make regular visits to any residence or establishment where an animal is being kept to check to see if the animal is receiving necessary food, water and care according to N.Y. Agriculture & Market law Section 373 subsection 7.[4] NYS Agriculture and Markets Law Section 371 permits an ASPCA Law Enforcement officer to "interfere to prevent the perpetration of any act of cruelty upon any animal" in the presence of the ASPCA officer.[4]

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 20:39 — Julie Giles (Visitor)
Hi. Regarding the SPCA and their authority to arrest someone: I know in Delaware there are two State Troopers whose sole responsibility is to investigate and prosecute people for violations of animal welfare laws. Probably that is what happened here: when SPCA called the police, they sent their specialists to make the arrest. After that, prosecution is analogous to any other crime. Regarding this crime, it breaks my heart to think of that poor dog TIED UP for who knows how long. At least leave her running free so she can find food and water! What a heartless, cold, compassion-less, irresponsible ________. Sometimes I really hate human beings.

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 20:10 — Peggy (Visitor)
i guess she had to tie it to keep it there, but she should have lft food and water . Some other animal would probably have injured the dog to get the food . What I don't understnd is why people take dogs and cats a long way out into rural areas , even wilderness areas and "dump' them with no homes nearby , no food or water. Back in May someone "dumped" 2 young labs in the National Forest area with homes miles away. One of the dogs was caught by Animal Control, the other hassurvived ther by standing beside the gravel road and passerbys have fed her. She had water from the river. this dog took days to capture and rescue the past 2 months . She finally was rescued this past week by an nice good samaratin that didn't give up. the are that she was in has lots of swimmers, kayakers, and tubers in summer but what would she have done when they are not going by? At least dump them where someone can rescue them.

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 20:11 — Julie Wheeler (Visitor)
I don't understand it either! What are people thinking?? We just adopted a dog that was left to die in the woods, had somehow gotten a broken leg which healed poorly and had to be amputated. This dog is the sweetest dog I've ever met.... We are thrilled to have him! His perseverance and love of life are an inspiration! I'm proud that he is our newest family member and just plain cannot understand how any person could just leave him to die. It makes me sick! Bless the people that found him and nursed him back to health.

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 20:24 — Lynne (Visitor)
Aren't our fur-buddies the best??? Thank you for loving your sweet friend so much and giving him a home!

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 20:17 — moondancer (Visitor)
she deserves worse! her fine and jail time do not create Justice. No animals deseves to be so gravely mistreated! She is a selfish heartless useless piece of garbage!

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 22:05 — K KH (Visitor)
I totally agree! She is the type of person who says... "MY" about everything she has... as if "her" stuff is sacred.. which is why the piece of shit scum didn't want to spend "her" money to feed the dog, or take the dog to the shelter. A selfixh piece of shit who thinks she has to give permission just for someone to sit on her chair or couch!!! As if she is "special".. I hope she finds out just how NOT special she is in prision. I hope she goes hungry and thirsty the entire time she is in prison.

Fri, 08/10/2012 - 11:33 — Pamela (Visitor)
unfortunatly if she goes to prison she be fed and watered

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 20:22 — Therese Camillone (Visitor)
I'm glad they arrested the a-hole!

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 20:23 — Bonne Martin (Visitor)
We here in Florida are having a hugh problem with people leaving there animals in the everglades to fend for them selves. There is an organization 100+ Abandoned Dogs of the Everglades that go out to the glades and also the surrounding areas of homestead,etc. and rescue dogs and cats if they can get the cats and bring them to animal hospitals that have volunteered to help with the care of the sick ones. They then put these animals up for adoption only after doing home checks for potential adopters. they have a face book page they are a great group.

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 21:05 — Theresa (Visitor)
Bonnie, what wonderful people to go into the everglades to search for abandoned animals. Too bad we can't dump the owners in the glades who put them there in the first place.

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 20:30 — meredith sirna (Visitor)
This is a woman who would dump her children in a park if she could. I pray that she prosceuted to the maximum.

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 20:50 — Dawn Sacks (Visitor)
Hearing things like this just breaks my heart....good luck Marlet!

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 21:07 — Theresa (Visitor)
Hopefully she finds herself in a loving home very quickly. She is a beautiful dog.

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 21:26 — Suzan (Visitor)
Compassion aside, the legal system seems flawed. If the choice is a year in jail or $1000 fine, the two punishments are not comparable. (I realize it says and/or, but very few people would serve jail-time for a first-time misdemeanor). A higher fine ($10,000, for example) might help prevent some of these abandonments.

Wed, 08/08/2012 - 23:16 — lori (Visitor)
forget the fine, it should b 30 days in jail even for a first time misdemeanor. if it was a child abandoned it would b more than a $1000 fine.

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 21:55 — K. KH. (Visitor)
It makes me sick when someone says; "it's my dog" or "it's my child" when they are neglectful or abusive to them. Children and animals are ALIVE.. they are not objects. You people are sickening pieces of shit who should suffer, eat shit and die! You know who you are!

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 22:01 — k. kh (Visitor)
I'd really like to see what this bitch looks like... "Patricia Reddick" Cause it's always the same kind of person who thinks of pets and kids as property and not life. Low life scum that will always be low life scum, that take up space in prison and collect welfare. You know who you are!

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 22:26 — Ron (Visitor)
Hopefully you won't abandon your child. Pets are part of the family so treat them with love. I have a dog that I found abandoned by its owner, and that dog has been a part of our family for almost ten years.

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 23:51 — krista (Visitor)
Lock her up and throw away the key.

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 08:56 — Lisa Weaver (Visitor)
Sadly this happens quite often,they will leave cats at the local shelter here at the back door with no note or anything!I guess they are desperate?I don't know....I have 3 cats and a dog which are all from the shelter or were rescued.I could never abandon any of them,ever!!They trust us,and to do something like this,is just awful!There was a pup found on a trail where I live by some hikers,someone had left it in a box!Thankfully it was still alive,and brought to the shelter,and adopted by a loving family!You wonder what people are thinking!

Thu, 08/09/2012 - 00:14 — lori molina (Visitor)
It could b worse, at least they made it to the shelter. My neighbor rescued a 2month old puppy today that was tossed from a car window, into her yard like garbage. With 4dogs we had no room for another animal, but we did have lots of toys, leashes, pet carriers, and needed supplies to make it easier for the neighbor who has taken her in and given her a good home.

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 12:12 — Theresa Walter (Visitor)
She will probably get just a slap on the wrist and nothing more. I am a volunteer for the Giles County Animal Rescue and Shelter. We are a proud bunch of people that try to find homes for rescue and homless animals. We work very hard to make sure that we do everything possible to help the animals. Unfortunely we are a kill shelter. We are working hard to no being one but what more can I say. I am proud to be apart of this organization. My dog actually come from this shelter. She is a Black Lab that someone surrendered. I would take nothing for her. She is my shadow just about everywhere I go.

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 15:54 — Dottie (Visitor)
I don't understand why people do this. She could have surrendered the dog at a shelter instead of leaving it in a park. A month ago my daughter was driving on a country backroad and a dog ran out in front of her. She didn't hit her but my daughter stopped to make sure the dog was ok. She was very under weight and had over 200 ticks on her. My daughter brought her home. My husband and daughter sat in the garage until 1:30 am picking ticks and hitting them with a hammer. We tried to locate an owner but knew we would not find one. This dog has obviously been abused. After a week, I took her to the vet and had her checked for a microchip. When none was found, I got her spayed, all of her shots, and meds for an ear infection. Even though she was not housebroken, we kept her inside and would literally have to drag her out of the house and stay with her while she went potty or she would panic. We have a pet door but she would not use it. It has been over a month now and until yesterday Dori would not go outside unless made to. She is just now feeling comfortable enough that she goes out alone and stays for long periods of time exploring the yard. We found out Dori is a pure bred Coon Hound. She is sweet, loving, and gentle. She is now one of our 4 rescue dogs and I wouldn't give any of them up.

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 15:54 — Dottie (Visitor)
I don't understand why people do this. She could have surrendered the dog at a shelter instead of leaving it in a park. A month ago my daughter was driving on a country backroad and a dog ran out in front of her. She didn't hit her but my daughter stopped to make sure the dog was ok. She was very under weight and had over 200 ticks on her. My daughter brought her home. My husband and daughter sat in the garage until 1:30 am picking ticks and hitting them with a hammer. We tried to locate an owner but knew we would not find one. This dog has obviously been abused. After a week, I took her to the vet and had her checked for a microchip. When none was found, I got her spayed, all of her shots, and meds for an ear infection. Even though she was not housebroken, we kept her inside and would literally have to drag her out of the house and stay with her while she went potty or she would panic. We have a pet door but she would not use it. It has been over a month now and until yesterday Dori would not go outside unless made to. She is just now feeling comfortable enough that she goes out alone and stays for long periods of time exploring the yard. We found out Dori is a pure bred Coon Hound. She is sweet, loving, and gentle. She is now one of our 4 rescue dogs and I wouldn't give any of them up.

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 18:39 — LR (Visitor)
Did I miss something? there is a HUGE gap between someone finding this dog and the conclusion that Patricia did it. I don't see that part of the story in the article..did my computer delete part of the information???

Wed, 08/08/2012 - 23:03 — Lori Molina (Visitor)
It is hard to believe, but aparrently it has become a common occurrence. Just today someone drove by and tossed a puppy out of the window like a sack of garbage. The neighbor was unable to make out the tag number of the vehicle, however with several of us banding together, that little cutie is now in a safe loving environment with a full stomach and a warm bed. If a person does not want another mouth to feed, they should spay or neuter their animal. People who abandon their animals, leaving them to die, should be in jail!!!

Sun, 08/12/2012 - 18:42 — Sheryl (Visitor)
Hi! There is a pic floating around FB of man forcing a bottle of VODKA down a yellow Labrador Retriever puppy's throat!!! I have downloaded a copy to my phone This clearly is abuse. Can you get the media to get involved to find this criminal! This dog needs the power and protection of a national organization like yours, as I have no idea where this photo was taken, but somebody does. And get the word out that alcohol and drugs will kill an animal as it would children! This is not humorous.

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Sat, 11/17/2012 - 18:31 — Sandra (Visitor)
So if you have a dog you never asked for that just hangs around your house, that you can't afford to feed, that you don't want, what the hell are you supposed to do? You take it to the humane society, there they tell you that they either won't accept it because they have no room for it or they tell you that you have to pay a 250$ fee to leave it with them. So then you try animal control that tell you that it's your dog now since you've "touched it" and that since it isn't aggressive or being neglected they won't take it. So then you place an ad in the paper for a free dog that no-one answers. So then you dump the dog. Just trying to explain how this happens. If you want less dumping than there needs to be FREE places where people can leave unwanted animals day or night with-out being persecuted.

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