MOHEGAN LAKE – The Humane Law Enforcement Unit of the SPCA of Westchester has announced the arrest of a 44-year-old Mohegan Lake woman on a charge of animal cruelty.
Michelle DiGennaro was arrested on May 22 for not providing adequate food, water and veterinary care for an extended period to her Australian Cattle Dog, now named Boomer.
On May 9, Yorktown Police responded to 3825 Eleanor Drive in Mohegan Lake on a report of a very skinny, malnourished dog. The animal was in an advanced state of emaciation and dehydration due to extreme neglect.
He was taken to the SPCA of Westchester’s Simpson Clinic for emergency medical care.
Following a thorough examination, the SPCA’s veterinarian found the dog’s state of emaciation was consistent with starvation for a prolonged period. The skull, ribs, hip and pelvic bones were visibly prominent. The dog had been denied necessary food and water resulting in him being underweight by 20 pounds, which is 50 percent of his body weight.
“We are extremely grateful that someone called to report about Boomer, who must have been suffering for months,” said Shannon Laukhuf, SPCA executive director. “Thanks to the SPCA’s team, Boomer is now receiving the love and medical care he was cruelly denied.”
Anyone suspecting animal cruelty or neglect is asked to call the police of the SPCA of Westchester’s Confidential Animal Cruelty hotline at 914-941-7797.
