Atkins
GOSHEN – A Newburgh man was arraigned before Orange County Court Judge William DeProspo on an indictment charging him with two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and one count of bail jumping, all as felonies.
On August 6, 2017, Dee Jay Atkins, 55, allegedly doused a cat and kitten with lighter fluid while they were in a cage, and set them on fire, killing them.
The animals did not belong to him.
The indictment also alleged that Atkins failed to make an appearance in Newburgh City Court in connection with the case.
Bail was set at $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond.
“Killing a caged animal by setting it on fire is an unfathomable act of wanton cruelty,” said District Attorney David Hoovler. “Anyone who would engage in such conduct deserves server punishment.”
