Westchester Woman Who Tied Dog To Cemetery Gate For Hours Now Faces Felony Animal Cruelty Charge: DA

YONKERS, NY — The woman accused of abusing a dog found abandoned in wretched condition has been indicted on a felony charge, according to prosecutors.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced today that the Yonkers woman was indicted on multiple animal cruelty charges after she was accused of tying a 1-year-old dog to a gate for hours at Saint John's Cemetery last November.

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Anita Martin, 60, was arraigned Wednesday on an indictment charging her with felony aggravated cruelty to animals, failure to provide proper sustenance, and abandonment of animals.

"When victims cannot speak for themselves, my office will always be there to speak for them," Cacace said. "The victim in this case, a 1-year-old dog named Frankie, was given a far crueler upbringing than what was owed to him. Through today's charges, we will seek to ensure that Ms. Martin is held accountable for her conduct toward this helpless creature. I am also pleased to announce that Frankie has since been adopted into a new home, where he will be showered with the love and care missing from the first year of his life."

According to charging documents and a veterinarian's deposition filed with the court, on Nov. 21, Martin left the dog tied to a gate at Saint John's Cemetery, in Yonkers. For over three hours, Frankie was abandoned without food or water.

Eventually, Frankie was discovered by a good Samaritan, who contacted police. During a subsequent medical examination, a veterinarian determined that Frankie, a mastiff-mix, had a very large and severe wound on his neck, measuring 22 centimeters long and 4 centimeters deep, according to the veterinarian's deposition. This gash exposed all of Frankie's underlying tissue; it produced a foul odor, was badly infected and had pus and drainage present, the veterinarian found.

Frankie was also found to have been extremely underweight and emaciated, with his ribs clearly visible, indicating he had not been receiving proper nutrition for an extended period of time, according to the charging documents. A complex surgery was performed on the animal lasting two hours.

Amid these challenges, Frankie has retained a "remarkably sweet and loving" demeanor, according to the vet.

"He becomes excited as soon as he sees anyone approaching," the veterinarian told the court. "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. The case is being prosecuted by Animal Cruelty Coordinator Alexander Shapiro.

Following her arraignment, Martin was released on her own recognizance. She is due back in court on Aug. 26.