ASPCA Blog

Former NYPD Blue Screenwriter Arrested for Allegedly Killing His Dog

Monday, June 18, 2012 - 5:00pm
HLE Arrest

Shame on you, Ted Shuttleworth. The former screenwriter on the acclaimed television series NYPD Blue has just been arrested by ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) Agents for beating his Toy Poodle, Lola, to death.

The 51-year-old is accused of striking his four pound dog in the face causing massive brain injury.

“This is a clear case of inexplicable brutality against a tiny helpless animal victim,” says Stacy Wolf, ASPCA Vice President and Chief Counsel for the Humane Law Enforcement Department. “The necropsy established in graphic detail that this dog died a violent death.”

Shuttleworth was arrested on Saturday by ASPCA Special Investigator Paul Romano. His next court date is July 26 in Queens Criminal Court.

Animal cruelty is a crime in every state. And one of the most important actions you can take is to report suspicious behavior. Visit our Report Cruelty FAQ to learn how. 

Tags: 
Animal Cruelty
Dog
Humane Law Enforcement

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.

Take Action!
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: 
Animal Cruelty
Humane Law Enforcement
Take Action

Adopt a Shelter Cat Month Livestream Event and Twitter Party Tonight!

Thursday, June 14, 2012 - 4:45pm
Two Kittens Together

In honor of Adopt a Shelter Cat Month—and the super-success of our HoverCat video—the ASPCA will be hosting a Livestream event tonight from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. EST. The event will feature YouTube celebs Jesse and Jeana of Prank vs. Prank, Good Morning America anchor Dan Harris, our very own Diane Wilkerson, and three mega-cute kittens! Best of all? You’ll be able to watch right from your computer!  

We also hope you’ll follow the action on Twitter using the hashtag #ASPCA. Together we can tell the world why shelter kitties rule!

Remember, we go on at 7:00 P.M. sharp—tune in to the Livestream here.  

Tags: 
Adoption
Events

Celebrate Father’s Day with 10-25% off All Men’s Apparel!

Thursday, June 14, 2012 - 3:45pm
Man Sitting With Happy Dog

It's tough to shop for dads. We get it. So if you’re like us and waited until the last minute to pick up a Father's Day gift, don’t worry—the ASPCA’s got your back.

From now until Father’s Day, ASPCA Online Store shoppers receive 10-25% off on our entire collection of men’s apparel—from stylish logo tees to comfy fleece-wear. And don’t forget, every purchase provides support for animals!    

Clothing not your pop’s thing? Why not make an ASPCA Symbolic Gift in his name? This program allows you to choose a gift that will change the life of an animal forever. Options include: emergency transport for an animal victim of cruelty, a spay/neuter surgery and the ASPCA’s area of greatest need. There are dozens of actions to choose from.

Enjoy shopping made easy—and Happy Father's Day! 

Tags: 
Adoption Event
ASPCA Store

Adopt an FIV-Positive Kitty!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012 - 1:00pm
FIV Positive Cat

If you’re looking to make a difference for Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, how about adopting or spreading the word about an FIV-positive cat? In fact, how about one of our favorite cats ever, Dasher?

Dasher is a super-friendly kitty who’s never met a human, cat or dog he didn't like. He loves to cuddle, but also enjoys a little playtime. In fact, there's really nothing not to like about Dasher; he's essentially the perfect cat.

And yet, Dasher is still waiting for his forever home! You see, this extra special guy was rescued from a hoarder in April 2011—and he came to us infected with FIV.

Here are the straight facts about FIV:

  • FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, a disease that weakens a cat’s immune system.
  • Cats with FIV can live full, long, happy lives with proper care.
  • Humans, dogs and other animals cannot contract FIV.
  • Other cats can contract FIV—and that’s why you should adopt an FIV-positive kitty only if you have no other cats or you have only FIV-positive cats.

Of course, Dasher needs to find a person with only FIV-positive kitties or no kitties at all. That adopter will be one of the luckiest pet parents in the world—we promise!

Plus, if you'd like to take Dasher home with a friend, we've got a special room of FIV-positive cats at our Adoption Center, including Gloria, another wonderful, friendly feline

If you're inspired but you've already got a non-FIV-positive kitty, other special-needs cats need your help, too! Check out a few at the ASPCA.

Please share Dasher. Let's find him a home! 

Tags: 
Adoption
Pet Care

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