Yonkers Woman Charged After Leaving Dog with Slit Throat at Cemetery

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A 60-year-old Yonkers woman named Anita Martin has been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly leaving her 1-year-old dog Frankie tied up at a local cemetery with a severe gash to his throat. Frankie was found by a good Samaritan and taken to the SPCA Westchester, where he recovered from his injuries. Surveillance footage captured Martin walking Frankie into the cemetery before abandoning him there without food or water. Frankie is now up for adoption after his ordeal.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious issue of animal abandonment and cruelty, which can have devastating consequences for vulnerable pets. It also raises questions about mental health, access to pet care resources, and the need for stronger laws and enforcement to protect animals from neglect and abuse.

The details

According to prosecutors, Anita Martin left her 1-year-old mastiff mix Frankie tied up at St. John's Cemetery in Yonkers on November 21 with an 8-inch-long gash to his throat. Surveillance footage captured Martin walking Frankie into the cemetery before abandoning him there without food or water. The injured dog was discovered by a good Samaritan who called the police, and Frankie was taken to the SPCA Westchester for treatment. After recovering from the severe throat injury, which had become infected, Frankie is now available for adoption through the SPCA.

• On November 21, Anita Martin allegedly left Frankie tied up at St. John's Cemetery in Yonkers.
• Frankie was discovered by a good Samaritan shortly after being abandoned at the cemetery.

What’s next

Anita Martin is scheduled to return to court on February 23 for further proceedings in the case. In the meantime, Frankie continues to recover and is available for adoption through the SPCA Westchester.