Animal Cruelty Arrest by SPCA of Westchester

The SPCA of Westchester announced today that their Humane Law Enforcement Unit arrested and charged a man with animal cruelty based on the medical condition of his Shar Pei-mix dog.

Paul Vega’s last known address, from which he was evicted, was 70 Morningside Ave. in Yonkers. He was arrested on Oct. 24 for not providing adequate food, water or veterinary care for an extended period of time to the dog.

Vega, 35, was arrested under the direction of Ernest Lungaro and in a joint investigation with Yonkers Police Officer William Pataky.

Yonkers Animal Shelter had responded to 70 Morningside Ave. in August due to an eviction involving a dog. The Shar Pei mix was in an advanced state of emaciation, dehydration, and extreme neglect. She was taken to Central Animal Hospital for immediate medical attention.

After a thorough examination, the veterinarian found the dog’s state of emaciation was consistent with starvation for a prolonged period of time. Every rib and bone in her body was visible; her muscles and hind limbs had begun to atrophy from disuse and she had not been groomed in a long while.

“We are grateful to citizens who report these incidents as quickly as possible,” said Shannon Laukhuf, Executive Director of the SPCA of Westchester. “Time is of the essence in animal abuse cases, and our officers are ready to respond.”

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