Hudson Valley Man Arrested on Animal Cruelty Charges

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A Mount Vernon man was arrested Thursday for confining a dog in the basement of his building without adequate food or water.

The SPCA of Westchester said its Humane Law Enforcement Director Ernest Lungaro arrested Vincent Marable, 57, of West Lincoln Avenue and charged him with animal cruelty.

Officers said the young pit bull mix was covered in filth, emaciated, dehydrated and suffered from sores all over his body as a result of flea infestation.

The dog was so weak he could barely stand on his own, officers said.

Mount Vernon Animal Shelter received an anonymous tip Friday, Aug. 19, about the neglected animal and notified the SPCA of Westchester.

The dog was taken to a veterinarian for medical attention and then transferred to the SPCA’s Simpson Clinic for evaluation, further treatment and rehabilitation.

During the investigation, officers found seven more neglected dogs on the property.

Two had been chained together at the necks and tied to a bedroom dresser, officers said.

Three others were left outdoors without food or water, with no protection from the elements.

The remaining two — a poodle and a Yorkshire terrier — also showed signs of severe neglect and were in need of veterinary treatment.

All dogs were removed from the building.

“The SPCA is thankful to the citizen who alerted the authorities of this heinous treatment of an animal, and we encourage others to do so. Our Animal Cruelty Hotline is 914-941-7797 and is completely confidential,” said Shannon Laukhuf, SPCA executive director.

“As the investigation continues, we appreciate the collaboration of the Mount Vernon Police Department and the Mount Vernon Animal Shelter,” she said.

Photo credit: SPCA of Westchester.