Yonkers Woman Arraigned Following Animal Cruelty Investigation, Authorities Say
A Yonkers resident was arraigned this week in Yonkers Criminal Court on multiple animal cruelty charges following an investigation into the abandonment and injury of a dog, according to the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors identified the defendant as Anita Martin, 60, of Yonkers. She faces charges including aggravated cruelty to animals, a felony, along with misdemeanor counts of animal torture and animal abandonment, authorities said.
The case stems from a November 2025 incident in which a dog was found secured to a gate at Saint John’s Cemetery in Yonkers. According to investigators, the animal had been left unattended for several hours and was suffering from a serious neck injury at the time it was discovered.
The dog, later named Frankie, was transported for emergency veterinary care. Medical professionals determined the animal had sustained a deep wound to the neck that required extensive treatment. Court filings indicate the dog also appeared underweight, prompting concerns about neglect.
Veterinarians performed a surgical procedure to address the injury, which prosecutors described as successful. Authorities said the dog responded positively to treatment following surgery.
Martin pleaded not guilty during her arraignment and was released on her own recognizance, according to court records. She is scheduled to return to court on February 23 for further proceedings.
The investigation was conducted by the SPCA Westchester Humane Law Enforcement Unit in coordination with the Yonkers Police Department. Prosecutors stated that tips from the public contributed to the identification of a suspect after information about the incident was released.
The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the matter is being handled with the involvement of its designated Animal Cruelty Coordinator. No additional statements were released beyond the charges and procedural details.
Under New York law, aggravated cruelty to animals is classified as a felony offense. The remaining charges are misdemeanors. The case remains pending in Yonkers Criminal Court.
