DA: Jermel Miller Of New Cassel Pleads Guilty To Animal Cruelty, Other Charges
MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A New Cassel man has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty and other charges after officers discovered a severely emaciated pit bull in his apartment.
Jermel Miller, 33, will serve six months in jail for animal cruelty and resisting arrest, Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced Friday.
Back in January, police were called to a domestic disturbance at an apartment in Elmont where they found the emaciated 3-year-old pit bull named Bronco.
The dog's ribs, spine, and hips were clearly visible through his fur, said authorities. He had open sores on his paws and Rice said Bronco's toenails were so long, they curled under his paws and he needed help to stand.
When cops tried to arrest Miller for animal cruelty, Rice said he "violently resisted."
Bronco was taken to Central Veterinary Group in Valley Stream where he was treated for malnutrition, a skin infection and moderate dental disease.
When he was taken, Bronco only weighed 29 pounds. Veterinarians said a healthy 3-year-old pit bull should weigh between 60 and 65 pounds.
"It is incredibly sad to know that this defendant watched an innocent animal wasting away, yet refused to simply open a can of food for him," Rice said in a statement.
Bronco has since recovered and is now in a new, loving home.
As part of his plea, Miller is prohibited from owning, harboring or having custody or control of any animals for five years.
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