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Glen Head residents Christine Bagwell, 31, and her father Gregory Bagwell, 71, were convicted of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals, and failure to provide proper sustenance.
Christine Bagwell was convicted by a jury, while her father was convicted in a bench trial.
Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said that Bagwell’s trial lasted about a month and the jury deliberated for less than an hour.
In June 2018, the Bagels took their 5-year-old female Pitbull-mix dog, Kacii, home from a veterinarian after she had broken her back following a car accident.
Singas said the veterinarian staff explained to them that Kacii was now a special needs dog, which required around the clock care, and the two agreed to follow instructions on how to properly care for her.
However, over the next five months, the two neglected Kacii. On Nov. 1, 2018, the pitfall was found by a passerby dragging herself on the pavement outside of the Bagwell’s home.
The good Samaritan called the Nassau County SPCA, who later responded and found the dog with open bloody wounds.
Following an investigation, both were arrested by Nassau County SPCA detectives on Dec. 29, 2018.
Singas said a veterinary examination revealed Kacii was emaciated, suffering from infected sores, a urinary tract infection, fever, diarrhea, overgrown nails and had caked excrement all over her body.
“Instead of providing the care that Kacii needed, these defendants left her to suffer,” Singas said. “The successful prosecution of animal crimes goes beyond protecting our four-legged friends.
"Studies have shown a strong correlation between animal abuse and domestic violence, and my office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting these cases to better protect our community.”
Both Bagwells are scheduled to appear back in court for sentencing on Friday, April 24.
Gary Rogers, the President of the Nassau County SPCA said that following rehabilitation “Kacii is now once again whole and up for adoption.” Anyone interested in adopting her can call 516-THE-SPCA.
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