Man Pleads Guilty To Starving Pet Pit Bull To Death

A 20-year-old Far Rockaway man has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty for failing to provide nourishment and care to his four pit bulls. As a result of his actions, one of the pit bulls was found dead in his residence. The defendant is to be sentenced to 16 months in prison.
&#8220The defendant has admitted his guilt, waived his right to appeal and acknowledged that he was responsible for failing to provide adequate diet, medication and care to his four pit bull dogs,” said District Attorney Richard A. Brown. &#8220One of the pit bulls died as a result of the defendant not feeding him for several days. The sentence to be imposed - a prison term of 16 months in prison - is more than warranted by what was outrageous, neglectful and had no justifiable purpose.”
Brown added, &#8220Over the years New York State has enacted a number of laws prohibiting the abuse of animals. My office takes a strong stand against animal cruelty and is committed to aggressively enforcing those laws to protect animals from harm.”
The defendant, Keidel Guy, 20, of 636 Beach 67th Street in Far Rockaway, pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, an unclassified felony, before Queens Supreme Court Justice James P. Griffin who indicated that he would sentence the defendant to a total of 16 months in prison on December 18.
The defendant admitted in court that between October 26 and October 30, 2005, at his Far Rockaway residence, he intentionally failed to provide adequate diet, medication and care to his four pit bull dogs, resulting in the death of one of the animals and leaving the other three in an emaciated state.
ASPCA agents found one of the pit bull's rib cage bones protruding through the top layer of his skin and a second pit bull to have shallow breathing and to have protruding bones through its and a third pit bull's skin. After being examined by a veterinarian, all four dogs were found to be extremely underweight.
Brown said that following a thorough investigation by the Humane Law Enforcement Department of the ASPCA after they received complaints about the animals' condition, the defendant was arrested on November 2, 2005.
&#8220This significant sentence reflects the seriousness with which crimes against animals should be viewed,” said Joseph Pentangelo, Assistant Director of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA's) Humane Law Enforcement Department. &#8220The office of District Attorney Richard A. Brown has consistently demonstrated a true commitment in seeking justice for pets and people. The ASPCA is pleased with this decision.”