Animal Cruelty Charges After 'Frankie' The Dog Was Found Abandoned With A Sliced Neck

YONKERS, NY — A Yonkers woman is facing felony animal abuse charges in a case that shocked a Westchester community.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced that 60-year-old Anita Martin, of Yonkers, was arraigned on several animal cruelty charges on Monday, after a dog was found abandoned and severely injured at a Yonkers cemetery in November.

Martin was charged with felony aggravated cruelty to animals; misdemeanor overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; and misdemeanor abandonment of animals.

After pleading not guilty to the charges, Martin was released on her own recognizance, and the case has been adjourned to Feb. 23.

SEE ALSO:

• Suspect Arrested After Abused Dog Found Abandoned In Cemetery With Sliced Neck: SPCA Westchester
• Reward Offered After Dog Found Abandoned With 'Deeply Infected And Painful' Neck Laceration

"Like many in Westchester, I was deeply disturbed to see the photos of Frankie on the news in his mangled condition," Cacace said. "Our pets are completely dependent upon us for their well-being, and in this case, poor Frankie was failed many times over. The charges in this case are serious and reflect the gravity of the harms committed against an innocent and defenseless creature. The only silver lining here is that Frankie can now begin his healing journey and will undoubtedly spend the rest of his life in loving arms, much unlike his life as a puppy."

According to court documents, on Nov. 21, Martin left a dog named Frankie tied to a gate at Saint John's Cemetery, in Yonkers. For over three hours, Frankie was abandoned without food or water. He was eventually found by a good Samaritan, who contacted the police.

A veterinarian determined that Frankie was a one-year-old, male mastiff-mix. He was found to have a very large and severe wound on his neck, measuring 22 centimeters long and 4 centimeters deep, according to the veterinarian's deposition. The gash exposed all of Frankie's underlying tissue, produced a foul odor, was badly infected, and had pus and drainage present, according to the veterinarian.

The dog was also found to be extremely underweight and emaciated, with his ribs clearly visible, indicating he had not been properly fed over a long period of time.

Frankie's injuries required a two-hour-long emergency surgery at a local veterinary hospital, officials said.

Despite these challenges, Frankie still managed to retain a "remarkably sweet and loving" demeanor, according to the veterinarian.

"He becomes excited as soon as he sees anyone approaching," the veterinarian noted. "He enjoys affection, seeks out attention and happily gives kisses to me and the staff. Despite the severity of his injuries and the neglect he suffered, he remains extremely gentle, trusting and affectionate."

The investigation was conducted by SPCA Westchester and the Yonkers Police Department.

"We are grateful to the Westchester County District Attorney's Office for moving swiftly to help ensure justice for Frankie," SPCA Westchester CEO Shannon Laukhuf said. "We are their voice and will continue to advocate tirelessly on behalf of animals who cannot speak for themselves."

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant DA Alexander Shapiro, recently named by DA Cacace to serve as the office's Animal Cruelty Coordinator.