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Ray Martin, 48 of New Holland, was arrested Wednesday following an investigation by the Pennsylvania SPCA and Lancaster County detectives into his alleged burning of “ocular issue” out of English Bulldog puppy’s eye.
PSPCA learned of the incident by a complaint from a veterinarian on July 3.
The vet. told PSPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement team that an English Bulldog puppy that had been purchased from a breeder and brought in for care for an eye problem. During an examination, the vet. found the puppy was missing a portion of the eye.
There were no surgical records or veterinary records provided to the purchaser.
Martin later told authorities he saw the puppy developed a cherry eye, an inflamed or prolapsed gland of the third eyelid.
He removed it using a heated up a knife in his kitchen while his wife held the puppy down.
Ultimately, he burned then cut the cherry eye off the puppy--all of this was done without any anesthesia or pain medication.
Martin has been charged with two counts of animal cruelty which include a felony count for intentionally or knowingly torturing an animal and a misdemeanor count for failing to provide veterinary care to an animal at imminent risk of serious bodily injuring.
No animals were seized from Martin as the puppy in question had been placed with a loving family who continue to provide for the puppy’s medical needs.
His bail was set at $10,000.
His preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 24 at 1:15 p.m.
Martin's wife has not been charged.
“This case of animal cruelty is especially horrific,” said Nicole Wilson, Director of Humane Law Enforcement and Shelter Operations at the Pennsylvania SPCA. “The offender in this case took this innocent puppy’s medical care into his own hands, using what was essentially a kitchen knife to simultaneously burn while cutting out an essential part of the puppy’s eye anatomy without considering the pain and suffering endured by this vulnerable animal. As the puppy ages, the eye will likely need lifelong ongoing medical treatment just to maintain the basic health of the eye. These charges are not only about finding justice for this puppy but also to ensure this never happens again.”
Anyone with information about this case or other cases involving animal cruelty, is urged to call the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Cruelty Hotline at (866) 601-SPCA. Tips can be left anonymously.
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