Yonkers Dog Owner Faces Animal Cruelty Charges

YONKERS, N.Y. -- A Yonkers woman is facing charges of animal cruelty after her two starving pit bulls were found fighting over scraps of food earlier this month, the SPCA of Westchester said.

An emaciated pit bull that authorities say was found battling over food in the backyard of its Yonkers owner was rescued by the SPCA of Westchester. The other dog involved in the fight succumbed to its wounds.
Photo Credit: *Provided*

Carol Reif

01/18/2016 10:00 a.m.

Ashaki Bryant, 40, of 10 Stewart Place, was arrested by police Monday following a complaint by the animal rights organization, authorities said.

Police said they went to Bryant’s home on Sunday, Jan. 3, after receiving reports that the two dogs, a male and a female, were fighting in her backyard.

The starving animals apparently were battling over some rice, the SPCA said.

They were taken to the Central Animal Hospital for medical care, but the male pit bull died of his injuries, authorities said.

Both animals were so emaciated that their spine and ribs were protruding, the SPCA said. They were also suffering from lack of water and had numerous wounds and scars, it said.

“It is heartbreaking to imagine the suffering these dogs endured without proper nourishment and care,” said Shannon Laukhuf, executive director of the SPCA of Westchester.

Laukhuf urged the public to contact authorities such as the SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement unit or police if animal neglect or cruelty is suspected.

The SPCA’s confidential Animal Cruelty Hotline is 914-941-7797.

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