Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- The
Central New York SPCA is trying to get to the bottom of a number of recent abuse cases. There have been three separate cases in recent days, involving two dogs and a cat.
Most recently, a dog was found next to a grave at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Officials think the dog was abandoned there because its hair was heavily matted around the paws and it can’t move very well.
Officials aren’t even sure if the dog is male or female. They don’t know how old it is, but they think it’s a Lhasa Apso and they’re not even sure of that. Staff will have to sedate it before shaving the hair because they think it’ll be painful. It was also found covered in urine.
Take a look at the attached picture of the dog. If you recognize it, the SPCA wants to hear from you.
Also, a vet told investigators about an 8-month-old kitten that was brought to them with new and old broken ribs and a dislocated jaw.
Brian Richardson, 25, of East Syracuse, is now facing charges in the case. He told investigators that he used poor judgment when the kitten’s head got stuck under a cage.
“Brian went in and tried to remove him and said he was aggravated. He pulled on the cat, in his opinion, in his own words, a little bit harder than he should have,” said CNYSPCA Investigator Paul Morgan. “The kitten was lying in the cage and couldn’t move. It was basically lethargic and unresponsive; it just looked a mess.”
That cat is now getting treatment and will survive, according to investigators.
Also, a Sharpei mix was found on Seely Avenue 15 pounds underweight with eye infections that require surgery.
Investigators say Leroy Hackett was given an opportunity to take the dog to the vet and didn’t show up for the appointment. The dog was then seized for treatment.
If convicted, Hackett and Richardson face up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
If you can help investigators with any of these cases, the number to call is 454-3469.
