Bronx Man Nabbed On Cruelty Rap http://www.nydailynews.com/front/sto...p-323670c.html
A starving dog was found tied to a steaming-hot pipe with a belt, and his Bronx owner was arrested yesterday on animal cruelty charges.
The pit bull mix named Oreo had two burns on his body and a broken rib, the ASPCA reported.
"It's hard to believe that anybody would treat an animal, especially a pet, this way," said ASPCA Special Agent Joseph Pentangelo.
The ASPCA received an anonymous tip on Dec. 13 about a mistreated dog at the Edenwald Houses in Williamsbridge.
Agents found him tied to the hot pipe with a belt, which gave him only about a foot to move. The burns were "consistent with contact with the hot-water pipe," Pentangelo said.
ASPCA Special Agent Henry Ruiz arrested Michael Delesline, 21, yesterday and charged him with one count of aggravated animal cruelty and one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. He faces up to two years in prison, if convicted.
Oreo, who weighed 27 pounds when he was taken from Delesline's apartment, now weighs 35 pounds.
Pentangelo urged anyone who suspects animal cruelty to call the ASPCA's confidential tips line at (877) THE-ASPCA (843-2772).