2006_09_01_archive

NY Court Issues First-Ever Order of Protection for Dog, Owner

COURTESY: ASPCA

(New York, NY) August 31, 2006 -- Humane Law Enforcement officers for

the ASPCA� (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

arrested Bronx resident Frederick Fontanez on Wednesday for beating a

dog, prompting a Queens judge to issue the first-ever order of

protection in New York for a pet.

Fontanez, 20, was arrested without incident outside a home in Queens.

He is charged with one count of animal cruelty which is punishable by

$1,000 and/or one year in jail.

Assistant District Attorney Heather Nicoletti of the Queens District

Attorney's office, Criminal Court Bureau, was granted an order of

protection for both the dog and his owner by Judge Alex J. Zigman. The

order of protection is a first under new legislation signed by

Governor George Pataki. Fontanez was ordered to keep at least 100

yards away from Bebe, a 14-lb. bichon fris�, and Bebe's owner, who is

a friend of the suspect.

"The issuance of an order of protection for a pet in New York State is

a significant new development," said Joseph Pentangelo, Assistant

Director of Humane Law Enforcement for the ASPCA. "Often times,

animals are caught in the cycle of domestic violence. The ASPCA

welcomes this additional tool in the fight against animal cruelty."

On July 20, 2006, Fontanez was in the home of Bebe's owner with the

dog. When the friend returned that evening, he discovered Bebe had

sustained multiple injuries, including severe bruising on his back and

trauma to his left thigh and right eye. In addition, Bebe walked with

a pronounced limp.

Neighbors complained to the dog's owner that they had heard Bebe

yelping loudly several times during that day while Fontanez was in the

apartment. Bebe was taken to a local veterinarian where he was treated

for his injuries and is expected to recover.

The Humane Law Enforcement Department of the ASPCA is the only law

enforcement agency in New York solely dedicated to investigating

crimes against the city's animal population. Founded in 1866, The

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was

the first humane organization established in the Western Hemisphere

and today has one million supporters The ASPCA's mission is to provide

an effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout

the United States. The ASPCA provides national leadership in humane

education, government affairs and public policy, shelter support, and