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On Monday, the SPCA of Westchester announced the arrest of Michael Schurick, 68, who has been charged with counts of animal cruelty and abandonment after he left a pair of animals to die in a soon-to-be condemned building in Yonkers.
Earlier this year, SPCA officials confirmed that law enforcement in Yonkers were at 40 Croton Terrace to condemn the building when a police officer was told about a dog and cat that had been left in one of the apartments. The services of Yonkers Animal Shelter were offered to the buildings’ owners, but they refused and said they would find a proper home for the animals.
Days later, after the building was officially locked up and boarded, the SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Unit were told that a pit bull was left in the apartment. A cat would later later be found to be abandoned as well.
According to the SPCA, the cat was found to be emaciated, dehydrated, was covered in urine and suffering from an eye infection. Her intestines contained cat litter. She has since been treated and transported to the Yonkers Animal Shelter.
A warrant for Patricia Townsend has also been issued for similar charges.
“No matter how many times we rescue animals from situations of neglect and abuse like this one, it’s heartbreaking to see,” SPCA Executive Director Shannon Laukhuf stated. “We are grateful for our community partnerships and for the dedication shown by all involved.”
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