Buchanan Man Charged with Animal Cruelty

Michael Champion of Buchanan faces a charge of animal cruelty for failure to provide veterinary care for a five-month-old Dogue de Bordeaux mix who had a fractured front leg.

The arrest July 20 took place after a joint investigation by the SPCA of Westchester and the Buchanan Police Department.

The SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) Unit responded to a call June 9 from Buchanan officials who reported that numerous puppies at an Albany Post Road residence were being kept in too small crates and some had injuries.

HLE Director Ernest Lungaro visited the house and found the puppies in metal crates that did not allow them to lie down or move around in a normal fashion. Lungaro noticed that one puppy, named Red, had a sizeable injury to his front leg.

Lungaro transported the puppies to the SPCA of Westchester where they were examined. It was determined that one puppy, named Red, had a fractured leg that had never received veterinary treatment. The SPCA hired an orthopedic surgeon in an attempt to save Red’s leg. The surgeon determined that the bones could not be re- set and amputated the leg. Red’s siblings were treated for skin conditions and an abscess on the face of one puppy.

A warrant for the arrest of Champion was issued on July 20 by the Criminal Court of the Village of Buchanan. Champion surrendered to authorities on the same day. He was charged with animal cruelty.

“It is hard to imagine the pain and suffering that this puppy endured, prior to being rescued” said Shannon Laukhuf, SPCA of Westchester Executive Director. “If he had received medical treatment in a timely manner, his leg may have been saved. I’m grateful to our HLE Unit for the time and effort they gave to pursuing this case. Seven beautiful puppies have been given a second chance at a happy life.”

PHOTO/SPCA