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ASPCA: 2 Brooklyn Residents Arrested In Separate Animal Cruelty Cases

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Two Brooklyn residents have been arrested in separate animal cruelty incidents, the ASPCA said.

The first incident happened back in September.

The ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement agents were called to a home in Flatbush on a complaint of a dog in need of medical attention. When they arrived, officers found a 1-year-old male shih-tzu mix in pain with abnormal posturing, officials said.

The dog, named Bentley, was taken to the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for treatment. There, veterinarians discovered he had a brain hemorrhage and a fractured skull and jaw that was caused by blunt force trauma, officials said.

Bentley
Bentley, a male shih tzu mix (credit: ASPCA)

49-year-old Alex Dykes was arrested Wednesday on animal cruelty charges. If convicted, he faces up to two years in jail and/or a $5,000 fine.

In a separate case, officials said an East New York woman was arrested in February for allegedly neglecting her 6-year-old male chihuahua named Vampiro.

In January, agents were called to Animal Care & Control's Brooklyn facility on a report of a very skinny dog that had been abandoned at a pet store.

Vampiro
Vampiro, a male Chihuahua. (credit: ASPCA)

Vampiro was taken to Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital where vets determined that in addition to being emaciated, the dog was dehydrated, blind and had an untreated skin ailment, officials said.

Officers arrested Venus Laventure, 50, on one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. She faces up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine if convicted.

Both dogs are now recovering.

Bentley is currently being fostered. Vampiro will soon be up for adoption.

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