Woman Barred from Owning Pets After Leaving Dog With Slit Throat at Cemetery

A Yonkers woman has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges and will be prohibited from owning pets in the future, prosecutors announced Thursday.

Anita Martin, 60, admitted to leaving her 1-year-old mastiff mix, Frankie, tied up at St. John’s Cemetery on November 21. The dog was found with a slit throat and without food or water shortly before a passerby discovered and rescued him. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Martin leading the dog to the cemetery, tying him to a fence, and walking away.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace stated that Martin’s plea ensures she will be placed on the Animal Abuse Registry, preventing her from owning, caring for, or having contact with animals. Martin must also reimburse the Yonkers Animal Shelter for Frankie's care and remain under probation supervision for three years.

According to the district attorney’s office, the gash on Frankie's throat was severe, exposing underlying tissue and showing signs of infection. The dog was also found to be emaciated, indicating prolonged malnutrition. Frankie underwent a two-hour surgery to treat his injuries.

Martin pleaded guilty in Westchester County Court to misdemeanors including Overdriving, Torturing, and Injuring Animals, Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance, and Abandonment of Animals. She is scheduled to be sentenced on January 13, facing three years of probation.

Prosecutors confirmed that Frankie has since made a full recovery and has been placed in a new home.