Man Charged With Animal Cruelty For Throwing Dog Down Stairs

YONKERS, NY — The SPCA of Westchester announced Friday the arrest of a man who allegedly threw a dog down two flights of stairs. The organization’s Humane Law Enforcement Unit, under the direction of Ernest Lugaro and Yonkers Police Officer William Pataky, arrested Frank Gallo Sr., of Saw Mill River Road in Yonkers. He was charged with animal cruelty.

The SPCA received a call to its confidential animal cruelty hotline Jan. 9 after a pit bull was allegedly picked up by its neck in a choke hold and violently thrown down two flights of stairs by his owner.

Staff from the Yonkers Animal Shelter were called in and immediately rushed the young dog, named Riley, to a local veterinary hospital for medical attention.

“By some miracle, Riley didn’t sustain any serious injuries but this is still a serious and horrific act of animal cruelty,” said Shannon Laukhuf, executive director of the SPCA of Westchester.

“We’re very thankful to those individuals who reported the incident so that our officers could respond quickly to ensure Riley’s safety and well being,” she said.

If you suspect animal cruelty or neglect, call the police of the SPCA of Westchester’s Confidential Animal Cruelty Hotline at 914-941-7797.

Photo caption: Riley. Photo credit: Submitted.