ASPCA Officials: Neglected Pit Bulls On S.I. Ate Wire, Other Material To Stay Alive

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A Staten Island man was charged with animal cruelty after he allegedly neglected two pit bulls, leaving them "dehydrated" and "emaciated," according to the ASPCA.

The ASPCA's Joseph Pentangelo said that agents from the agency acted on an anonymous complaint on Jan. 6 regarding a residence on York Avenue. Officials were told that two dogs in the garage of that residence were being neglected.

"Agents found the dogs to be neglected. They had no visible body fat, both of them appeared to be weak.," Pentangelo told 1010 WINS on Friday night.

The animals were taken to the ASPCA animal hospital in Manhattan, where they were treated. Veterinarians determined the dogs were dehydrated and emaciated.

"One was anemic as a result of being starved," Pentangelo said.

Pentangelo said that upon further examination by vets an even more alarming discovery was made.

"Both dogs had been starved. Their stomach contained pieces of wire and other material that the dogs had eaten in an effort to simply stay alive," he said.

James E. Jones, 30, was arrested on animal cruelty charges on Thursday.

Jones has previously been convicted of attempted criminal weapon possession, according to the Staten Island Advance. He could face up to two years in prison.

One of the dogs passed away at the end of January, while the other dog is still recovering.

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