Adopted dog beaten, thrown against truck
Mount Vernon, NY (US)Incident Date: Saturday, Nov 10, 2007
County: Westchester
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: John Morgese
Police have charged a Garnerville man with misdemeanor animal cruelty after witnesses told police they saw him beat a dog with a stick and throw it to the ground and against a parked truck.
John Morgese, 42, was charged with torturing and injuring an animal, a misdemeanor under state Agriculture and Markets law. The dog, a female mixed-breed, was found by police crying and apparently injured at the time of the 3 p.m. Saturday arrest in Mount Vernon.
Paula Young, director of the city's Animal Control Center, said the dog, which was named Fifi, had recently been adopted by Morgese.
Several individuals followed the suspect in the area of Sheridan Avenue and pointed him out to an arriving officer, who saw the man enter an apartment building with the dog on a leash.
The dog was turned over to the Mount Vernon Animal Control Center for medical attention and the Westchester County SPCA was notified.
"A cruel attack on a defenseless pet will not be tolerated," Police Commissioner David E. Chong said. "And we thanked the witnesses for notifying the police."
Individuals who perpetrate such attacks on animals often have a history of abusive behavior to people as well, Chong said.
Young said the dog, a small black and tan Doberman mix, was taken out of a neglect situation and ended up at the center.
About 10 days ago, Morgese, who she described as well dressed and well spoken, came in looking to adopt a dog.
A few days after the adoption Young saw him and the dog and "they looked so happy," she said.
Young is now looking for a new home for Fifi.
"We are going to find a home for her. One in which someone will not take out their hostilities on her," Young said.
"How can you beat a dog when that dog gives you nothing but love?" Young said.
Morgese is to be arraigned in City Court Nov 12, 2007. References« NY State Animal Cruelty Map
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