Yonkers Woman Charged After Injured Dog Found Near Cemetery

A Yonkers woman has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty following an investigation into a badly injured dog discovered near Oakland Cemetery late last year, authorities said.

SPCA Westchester announced that Anita Martin, 60, was taken into custody this week after investigators identified her as the person seen in surveillance footage walking the dog shortly before it was abandoned. The video, recorded in November and released publicly last week, showed a woman in the area moments before the injured dog — later named Frankie — was found with a severe wound to his neck and throat.

Tips from the public helped lead investigators to Martin, who lives a short distance from the cemetery, according to SPCA officials.

Frankie was transported for emergency veterinary care and has since undergone surgery. SPCA Westchester said the dog is recovering well and is expected to be made available for adoption at its Briarcliff Manor rescue center once fully healed.

SPCA Westchester CEO Shannon Laukhof credited public attention and media coverage for helping move the case forward, saying the exposure allowed investigators to quickly identify and locate the person responsible.

Yonkers Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza and Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace both condemned the alleged actions, emphasizing that animal abuse will not be tolerated. Cacace described cases involving cruelty and abandonment as deeply distressing, particularly for those who care for animals.

The investigation was led by SPCA Westchester’s Humane Law Enforcement unit in coordination with Yonkers Police Detective Shaina Jacobs.

Martin is charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty and abandonment. She is scheduled to be arraigned in Yonkers City Court on February 9.