BRIARCLIFF MANOR – The Humane Law Enforcement Unit of the SPCA of Westchester, with assistance from New Rochelle Police, has arrested a New Rochelle woman on a charge of animal abandonment.
Following the posting of a video capturing a small Labrador Retriever puppy, now named Rosie, being dumped out of a car and onto Lotus Road in New Rochelle, authorities were able to identify the woman who allegedly abandoned Rosie as Marissa Levy.
The video was posted on social media on June 11 an anonymous tip called into SPCA’s confidential animal cruelty hotline identified Levy.
She was arrested on June 25 and issued an appearance ticket returnable to local court.
“We will never understand how someone could so callously abandon a defenseless animal and are so thankful that a good Samaritan acted swiftly and rescued Rosie,” said Shannon Laukhuf, SPCA Westchester’s executive officer.
She said had Rosie run into the street, it could have ended badly.
“Rosie is safe and has been adopted by the good Samaritan who found her,” Laukhuf said.
Anyone who witnesses or suspects an animal is being mistreated or neglected is asked to call the SPCA’s cruelty hotline at 914-941-7797.
