Dog starved to death in backyard
Troy, NY (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Dec 10, 2008
County: Rensselaer

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Deborah Bradley

A 2-year-old pit bull is left without food, water or shelter for well over a month in a Troy backyard.

"This dog suffered a horrible, painful elongated, death," says Troy Police officer James Bottillo.

Concerned neighbors notified Troy police about the emaciated dog kept in a small cage in the backyard of 217 9th Street.

"The dog had literally no surface to lay on; there was a blanket in the corner. But again this dog suffered some significant muscular atrophy and was probably unable to move at all," says Bottillo.

The 48-year-old homeowner, Deborah Bradley had allegedly neglected to take care of the dog for weeks, letting it slowly starve to death.

But when police arrived on the scene, food was found in the dogs bowl. Police believe it was purposely placed after the dog's death.

According to Bottillo, "There were no bite marks or nothing to indicate any type of effort on the dog's part to eat that food that was in the bowl."

When the dog was taken in for a necropsy, the vet called the condition of the dog "horrific."

"When the vet was able to get into the dog stomach, the contents in the dog's stomach were some rocks and sticks which we took custody of," says Bottillo.

Bradley was arraigned on aggravated animal cruelty charges. Police say she knew exactly what was going on.

"I can tell you that she's well aware..."

If Bradley is convicted she could face a year or more behind bars.

References

• « NY State Animal Cruelty Map

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