New York woman charged after injured dog abandoned at cemetery
Suspect has been charged with aggravated cruelty, abandonment, torture, injury, and failing to feed animals
A New York State woman was arraigned this week after allegedly leaving a grievously injured and emaciated dog tied to a cemetery gate for hours. Anita Martin, 60, was indicted on multiple animal cruelty charges in connection with the November incident at Saint John’s Cemetery in Yonkers, New York.
PEOPLE reported that the investigation commenced on November 21 after a passerby discovered a one-year-old male mastiff-mix named Frankie tied to the cemetery gate. The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office announced that Martin is accused of abandoning the dog for over three hours without food or water.
Upon rescue, medical personnel discovered Frankie was emaciated and suffered from a severe neck wound measuring eight inches long and one-and-a-half inches deep. A veterinary assessment released by the District Attorney’s office stated the gash exposed the dog's underlying tissue, was badly infected, and produced a foul odour with visible pus. The animal required a complex two-hour surgery to treat the deep lacerations.
Despite the severity of his injuries and the neglect he suffered, Frankie has made a full recovery. His veterinarian noted that the dog remains extremely gentle, trusting, and affectionate, showing excitement whenever anyone approaches him.
Online court records show that Martin has been charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, abandonment of animals, and torturing, injuring, or failing to feed animals. She pleaded not guilty to all charges during her arraignment. Martin was released on her own recognisance and is scheduled to make her next court appearance in August.
