Humane Law Enforcement

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.

Cagney and Lacy before receiving treatment at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital

Who could starve two puppies? Apparently, Gillian Irving could. On April 20, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) Agent Ann Kelly arrested the 27-year-old Bronx woman for allegedly neglecting and starving her two seven-month-old Pit Bulls, Cagney and Lacey.

It was last February when HLE Agents first responded to a complaint that two skinny dogs were living inside Irving’s Bronx apartment. Upon arrival, Agents seized the two emaciated dogs and transported them to ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for life-saving treatment. ASPCA veterinarians determined Cagney and Lacey had been starved—weighing only 16.4 and 15.2 pounds.

After receiving treatment, Cagney now weighs 27.1 pounds and Lacey weighs 26.9 pounds—a 65 and 77 percent increase, respectively. Both dogs are continuing their recovering at the hospital and will eventually be made available for adoption.

As a result of her actions, Irving was charged with two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. If convicted, she faces up to two years in jail and/or a $2,000 fine. Irving is due in Bronx Criminal Court on August 22.

Take Action!
We need you on our side! If you suspect an animal may be the victim of neglect or abuse, please report it. Visit our Report Cruelty FAQ to learn how to report cruelty in your neighborhood. And consider becoming an ASPCA Guardian—together we can fight animal cruelty across the country.

On Friday, March 16, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents arrested a Queens man in the deadly beating of a cat. Richard Ferrugio, 49, is suspected of using a tire iron to bludgeon a black-and-white cat to death on the sidewalk in front of several witnesses—including children—then driving away from the scene.

The ASPCA investigated a call about the beating on March 8 and, after a thorough investigation, identified Ferrugio as the suspect. Ferrugio has been charged with one count of felony animal cruelty and one count of criminal possession of a weapon. If convicted, Ferrugio could face up to two years in prison on the animal cruelty count.

This alleged animal abuser is now facing the consequences thanks to a citizen who took action. If you suspect an animal may be the victim of neglect or abuse, don’t wait—report it!

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.