Dog severely beaten
New York, NY (US)Incident Date: Tuesday, Oct 10, 2006
County: New York
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Acquitted
Person of Interest: Michael Johnson
In October 2006, police responded to complaints from residents of a Harlem apartment building that sounds indicative of a severe dog beating had been going on for hours in a neighbors apartment.
They responded to the apartment of Michael Johnson who had allegedly thrown his dog against the wall and beat him for several hours. The dog was taken to Manhattan Animal Care & Control where he was urinating blood and treated for severe internal injuries. He had multiple external scars as well.
Anthony spent 7 months in a cage at Manhattan AC&C while the case was pending and then finally released to a foster home where he has spent the last 10 months healing from physical and emotional scars.
The D.A.'s office has pressed misdemeanor cruelty charges against defendant Michael Johnson even though felony charges are available in cases of such severe abuse against companion animals. The reason for the leniency against the defendant is unknown.
Even worse than the leniency shown to a defendant who allegedly brutalized a dog nearly to death, is the fact that the judge may return the dog to his abuser. Under the misdemeanor statute #353 of the Agriculture and Markets act, not a part of the penal code, animals are considered property though they are deemed 'special' property with the ability to suffer.
The defendant has waived his right to a jury trial.
The trial convenes Monday, February 4th in Manhattan Municipal Court. 100 Centre Street. 5th floor in the courtroom of Hon. Judge Neil Ross. References« NY State Animal Cruelty Map
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