SPCA, Cops Charge Yonkers Woman with Animal Cruelty

The SPCA of Westchester announced that their Humane Law Enforcement Unit, under the direction of Ernest Lungaro and Yonkers Police Officer William Pataky, arrested Ashaki Bryant, 40, of Yonkers after a joint investigation.

Bryant was arrested Jan. 11 for not providing adequate food, water or veterinary care for a prolonged period of time to her two pit bull dogs. She was charged with two counts of animal cruelty.

Yonkers police were alerted Jan. 3 that two dogs were fighting. One female and one male pit bull were then discovered fighting over rice in the back yard of Bryant’s home at 10 Stewart Place. Both dogs were quickly transported by the Yonkers Animal Shelter for immediate veterinary care.

Following a thorough examination by a veterinarian at Central Animal Hospital, the dogs were found to be dehydrated, emaciated and had various wounds and scars that were in different stages of healing. Some were old wounds that were never treated properly and others were fresh wounds in need of immediate medical care. The dogs’ spine and rib bones were very prominent indicating both were malnourished.

The male pit bull sadly succumbed to his injuries.

The female pit bull was then transported to the Yonkers Animal Shelter after her medical treatment.

“It is heartbreaking to imagine the suffering these dogs endured without proper nourishment and care,” said Shannon Laukhuf, SPCA of Westchester’s Executive Director. “Our Humane Law Enforcement Unit is vigilant in its mission to help animals like these through public education and enforcement of animal cruelty laws.”

Contact the HLE Unit or the Police if animal neglect or cruelty is suspected. The SPCA’s Confidential Animal Cruelty Hotline is 914-941-7797.

The SPCA of Westchester is located in Briarcliff Manor and is a no-kill shelter.