ELMSFORD – A veterinarian who owns Main Street Animal Hospital in Elmsford has been arrested on charges of forgery, six counts of animal cruelty and assault, SPCA Westchester announced.
Dr. Javier Diaz was arrested following an investigation by the SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Unit, Elmsford Police and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office.
It is alleged that Diaz gave a certificate of rabies vaccination and charged a pet owner without actually administering the state-required vaccination.
He also allegedly physically abused pets that were brought to his hospital in six occasions.
In one instance, a two-month-old kitten was hit on the head with a nail clipper designed to cut dogs’ nails and then jammed into the cat’s mouth causing it to sustain a laceration to its gum and palate.
In another case, a Shiba Inu dog was punched in the ribs.
A Labrador Retriever had his front paw twisted and a nail clipper jabbed in its ribs. The dog was then kicked in the ribs.
While treating a three-legged senior German Shepherd, Diaz allegedly kicked the dog in the chest and them twisted and pulled its ear that was being treated for an infection. He then kicked the dog a second time in its jaw causing the animal to jerk its head back striking a veterinary assistant who was holding the dog in place, resulting in a aide sustaining a bloody nose.
In yet another case, a Chihuahua dog in a crate was crying when Diaz punched the dog to make it stop.
And a Shih Tzu dog was choked causing it to almost lose consciousness.
“We are absolutely sickened by the abuse these animals suffered at the hands of Javier Diaz, DVM. Veterinarians take an oath to protect animal health and welfare, not to cause pain and misery,” said SPCA Westchester Executive Director Shannon Laukhuf. “If you suspect your pet was harmed in Diaz’s care, please call the SPCA’s 24-hour animal cruelty hotline at 914-941-7797.”
