Watch CBS News

3 Arrested In NYC In 2 Separate Animal Cruelty Cases

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Three suspects were arrested on two separate incidents of animal cruelty in New York City on Friday by animal control officers.

Humane Law Enforcement agents of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals apprehended the suspects, charging each with misdemeanor animal cruelty.

ASPCA agents responded to a report of an emaciated pit bull at a Bronx residence, and found the dog appearing extremely thin. The dog's water bowl had completely frozen over due to the frigid temperatures.

The suspect signed the pit bull over to the ASPCA, where she was taken to Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for treatment. Veterinarians at the hospital determined that the dog had been starved.

Bronx resident Eugene Elvin, 32, was arrested for neglecting and starving the two-year-old female pit bull. If convicted, Elvin faces up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

In a separate incident, ASPCA officers responded to a complaint at a Queens residence, where they found two pit bull terriers who appeared very thin. Upon further investigation by HLE agents and veterinary experts, it was determined that both dogs had been starved and there were no underlying medical problems to explain their poor body condition.

Leroy Shepard, 18, and Nikira Shepard, 20, were arrested for neglecting and starving the two dogs, a nine-month-old male and two-year-old female. The siblings were charged with two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty, and if convicted, they each face up to two years in jail and/or a $2,000 fine.

All three dogs are currently being treated at ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital and not yet available for adoption.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.