A New York State woman was arraigned months after a grievously injured dog was found abandoned for hours at a cemetery without food or water.
Anita Martin, 60, has been indicted on an animal cruelty charge in connection with the November incident at Saint John’s Cemetery in Yonkers, N.Y., the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office announced this week.
The investigation began on Nov. 21 after a good Samaritan came upon the 1-year-old male mastiff-mix named Frankie tied to a gate at the cemetery, the DA’s office said in its statement.
Medical personnel examining the dog said he had a “very large and severe wound” on his neck, about one-and-half inches deep and eight inches long.
“This gash exposed all of Frankie’s underlying tissue; it produced a foul odor, was badly infected and had pus and drainage present,” a veterinarian’s assessment read, according to the DA’s office.
Martin is accused of leaving Frankie tied to the cemetery gate for over three hours without food or water.
Frankie was also found to be emaciated and had to undergo a complex two-hour surgery, the DA’s office said.
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Frankie has had a marvelous recovery, the DA’s office said in its statement.
“He becomes excited as soon as he sees anyone approaching,” his veterinarian has stated. “Despite the severity of his injuries and the neglect he suffered, he remains extremely gentle, trusting and affectionate.”
Martin has been charged with aggravated cruelty to animals; abandonment of animals; and torture/injure/not feed animals, according to online court records reviewed by PEOPLE.
She has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. She was released on her own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court in August.

source:https://people.com/dog-large-gash-tissues-exposed-found-tied-cemetery-gate-12020045