Police: Staten Island man killed wife's 2-month-old puppy
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. --Police say a man was indicted Wednesday on charges stemming from the death of his wife's 2-month-old, 2-pound Chihuahua,reports CBS New York.
Jerry Moore, 38, is reportedly facing charges, including felony aggravated cruelty to animals. He pleaded not guilty and remains held on $50,000 bail, according to the station.
Police say that between March 12 and 24, Moore squeezed his hands around Bambi's throat and neck -- making it difficult for the puppy to breathe. He also allegedly hurled the dog against the wall.
Bambi was in Moore's care on March 24, when he called his wife to say something was wrong with the dog, police said. When his wife returned home, she reportedly found the puppy crying and unable to move.
Bambi was then rushed to a nearby veterinary hospital, where she was treated for a traumatic brain injury and other severe injuries, reports CBS New York. The puppy was reportedly euthanize two days later.
An necropsy determined the cause of death was traumatic brain injury as a result of blunt force trauma, according to the station.
"Cruelty shown to animals is unacceptable. My office will continue to seek justice for our most vulnerable, including those victims who have no voice - our animals," District Attorney Michael E. McMahon said in a press release.
Moore was ordered to stay away from his wife during the investigation, according to CBS New York. He violated the order on multiple occasions, police said.