A woman from Yonkers has been charged with animal cruelty after reportedly abandoning her one-year-old dog, Frankie, with a severe throat injury in a cemetery, as stated by the Westchester County Prosecutor’s Office.
Anita Martin, 60, faces charges of aggravated cruelty, along with animal overdrive, torture, and injury for leaving Frankie tied up and with an 8-inch gash on her throat at St. John’s Cemetery on November 21.
“Like many in Westchester, I was deeply disturbed when I saw the images of Frankie’s horrific condition on the news,” remarked the county district attorney. “Our pets rely on us entirely for their care, but unfortunately, Frankie was let down time and again.”
“The only positive takeaway is that Frankie can start her healing process and now has a chance at a loving future,” Cacace added.
The dog, a mastiff mix, was discovered by a passerby who notified the Yonkers police. They took Frankie for veterinary care before transferring her to SPCA Westchester, where she recovered.
“His tail is always wagging,” the animal protection group shared on Facebook. “Frankie exemplifies resilience, strength, and unyielding positivity despite his traumatic experience. He’s endured a lot of pain.”
Surveillance footage captured Martin bringing Frankie to the cemetery, and a tip from the public helped authorities identify her.
Martin appeared in court on Monday and was released without bail, with her next hearing scheduled for February 23.
