At a Glance
- A 1-year-old mixed-breed dog was found on Nov. 21 near Oakland Cemetery in Yonkers with a deep, infected neck laceration exposing tissue.
- Emergency surgery lasted two hours; the dog, now named Frankie, was also severely underweight from neglect.
- Security footage shows an individual leashing the dog before dumping him in an industrial area.
- Why it matters: The SPCA and Yonkers police are seeking public tips and offering a $1,000 reward to find the abuser.
A young dog discovered outside a Yonkers cemetery is lucky to be alive after someone abandoned him with a horrific neck wound and walked away.
The Discovery
On the morning of Nov. 21, a passerby spotted a 1-year-old mixed-breed dog at 44 Saw Mill River Road, adjacent to Oakland Cemetery. The animal had a “deeply infected and painful laceration to his neck and throat,” according to SPCA Westchester. The cut was so severe that underlying tissue was visible through the wound.
SPCA responders transported the dog-now named Frankie-to a local veterinary hospital. Surgeons spent two hours repairing the damage.
“Without proper veterinary care, this sweet dog would have likely succumbed to his injuries,” said Shannon Laukhuf, SPCA Westchester’s chief executive officer. “Sadly, Frankie also appeared to be neglected as he was extremely underweight.”
The Investigation
Security cameras in the largely industrial area recorded an individual walking Frankie on a leash before abandoning him. The footage has been turned over to the SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Unit and the Yonkers Police Department Detective Division as part of a joint investigation.
“It’s really an industrial area,” noted Ernest Lungaro, director of the SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Unit, in an interview with PIX11. “So there’s not a lot of residents living there. It was placed there sometime in the morning, so we don’t have a lot of leads.”
The NYS Humane Association has posted a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Key facts investigators want the public to know:
- The abandonment occurred between early morning and midday on Nov. 21.
- The dog was visibly underweight, indicating prolonged neglect.
- The wound was described as “unique” in its severity compared with typical abandonment cases.
Frankie’s Recovery
Despite the trauma, Frankie’s demeanor surprised shelter staff. Within days he was playful and affectionate.
“Frankie is probably one of the happiest, sweetest, energetic guys we have here,” said Tyler Lah, an SPCA animal-care specialist. “As soon as he came off the van, he was playful, greeting everyone and just happy to be alive.”
Medical staff report that only a thin scar remains. Frankie will undergo a standard behavior evaluation, receive vaccinations, and be neutered before being cleared for adoption.
How to Help
Anyone with information about the person seen on camera is urged to contact:
- SPCA Westchester Humane Law Enforcement Unit
- Yonkers Police Department Detective Division
- Tip line numbers listed on the News Of Los Angeles website
Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for the $1,000 reward funded by the NYS Humane Association.
Key Takeaways
- A severely injured dog was abandoned in a Yonkers industrial zone and needed two hours of emergency surgery.
- Surveillance footage shows the suspect walking the dog before dumping him.
- Authorities are offering a $1,000 reward for tips that lead to an arrest.
- After recovery, Frankie is expected to be available for adoption through SPCA Westchester.
