Update on pit bulls removed from Utica residence on Whitesboro Street
By: Jennifer Lee
Updated: April 6, 2012
Six of the eight malnourished pit bulls rescued in a West Utica home are dead.
This abuse case comes during prevention to cruelty to animal's month.
Many community members say this incident should be an example of being vigilant when it comes to animal abuse.
The humane society has named him macho for his personality.
Many community members want to help the situation and want justice delivered for these helpless animals.
People were devastated, mad and angry when eight emaciated pit bulls were removed from a Utica home on Whitesboro Street earlier this week.
"There no different from people. It's like taking care of a baby or a person. If you don't feed a baby or if you don't feed a dog they die. It's the same thing," said Dylan Infintino.
As of this report, six of the eight dogs are dead.
One of the two animals is currently being treated at the burrstone animal hospital.
The other, called macho, is at the Stevens-Swan Humane Society.
Jerry Kraus, the director, says macho is on the road to recovery.
"He was better than he came in. He gained about three pounds since he came in. He has got a mouth infection. He was infested with fleas and malnourished. But, he is coming back," said Kraus.
Laura Yaghy is an area pit bull rescuer says situations like these are pretty common.
"Dogs being abandoned and dogs being neglected and people moving they leave the dog in the apartment. Similar situations like that. More often than not that's what we end up with," said Yaghy.
With April being the month dedicated to prevention to cruelty to animals, Jerry Kraus says if it takes a month to bring awareness, then so be it.
"People should remind themselves you can call anonymously without fearing the retribution. If you see something in your neighborhood and you know it's abusive, pick up the phone and make the call," explained Kraus.
The humane society says Macho is not yet up for adoption and may have to be sheltered for a while. The man accused for the abuse is facing numerous charges and we will closely be following this story as it develops.
