Teen Beats Dogs to Death with Tree Branch
Bronx, NY (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, Aug 31, 2004
County: Bronx

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Ricardo Plasencia

A 16-year-old high school student was arrested Tuesday on charges he beat two pit bulls to death with a tree branch in a Bronx park August 2004, authorities states.

The teen, Ricardo Plasencia, was arrested at his family's home in the Bronx and was charged with two felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty, said Joseph Pentangelo, a spokesman for ASPCA.

The 1-year-old female dogs' remains were taken to the Burgh Memorial Animal Hospital. The veterinarian who performed the necropsies said in 20 years he had not seen an animal sustain such severe head injuries, Pentangelo said.

References

• newsday.com
• The NY Times - Sept 8, 2004

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