DA: L.I. Woman Arrested In Connection With Abused, Abandoned Dog
MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- An arrest has been made in connection to an abused dog that was missing for over a year which was found abandoned and injured at a clinic in Hempstead, authorities said.
Tamara Copeland, 56, of Hempstead, was arrested by Nassau County District Attorney investigators and is charged with misdemeanor animal neglect and animal abandonment, authorities said.
The poodle-mix dog, Nino, was found by an employee of a veterinary clinic around 9 a.m. Tuesday. Nino was taken to a nearby animal shelter where he was treated for numerous injuries, including skin lesions and trauma.
Investigators released surveillance video of two female suspects who were seen walking near the clinic shortly before the dog was found. The Nassau County DA said it received numerous tips from the public which helped lead to the arrest.
"Thanks to tips from the public, in less than 24 hours, DA Investigators from our Animal Crimes Unit were able locate and arrest the woman who we believe neglected this defenseless animal," Acting DA Madeline Singas said in a release.
Nino was later identified from a microchip implant. His owner reported that he went missing from her yard more than a year ago. The pooch had been given to his owner by her daughter as a birthday present in 2000.
Copeland is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday afternoon.