The elderly owner of a four-month-old beagle dragged and beaten on a street in Bronx, New York was arrested last September after allegedly dragging his four-month-old beagle puppy and then tossing her out of his truck onto the street.
According to the New York Daily News, Loro Gjonaj, 79, was charged with animal torture and abandonment, leaving the defenseless puppy with serious injuries. Bronx prosecutors contend Gjonaj could go to trial, however his case could be dismissed if he stays out of trouble for the next year.
Loro Gjonaj is the cousin of Bronx Councilman Mark Gjonaj. Advocates state they suspect Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark’s office could be showing Loro Gjonaj leniency because of his politically involved relative. His next appearance in Bronx Criminal Court is scheduled for Sept. 20.
Loro Gjonaj was arrested after a witness came forward describing how the suspect dragged the puppy named Cleo from the back of a pickup truck and threw her onto the street. Soon after, Cleo was found tied to a street pole. The puppy’s injuries included internal bleeding, her eyes were swollen shut as well as cuts and abrasions on her head, back and shoulders.
Police initially stated there was insufficient evidence to find the person who caused Cleo’s injuries, but animal advocates and supporters of the Looking Glass Animal Rescue openly criticized police for not doing their jobs. Gjonaj’s arrest came with hope for a tiny dog’s justice. The puppy’s medical costs exceeded $7,000.
“Well if this isn’t a travesty of justice, I don’t know what is.
Bronx prosecutors are poised to let a councilman’s cousin off the hook for a brutal attack on a defenseless puppy last year.”
That is our Cleo. Thank God we were able to save her and find her a wonderful home. But, this is abuse AND this guy apparently has other beagles – they are hunters.
Call the DA’s Office an demand DA Clark rethink her association with this case if she can’t see past the politics of this guy being cousins with a councilman. This is a disgrace. 718-838-7040.”
Both the councilman and the District Attorney’s Office have denied any favoritism.
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New York, needs to start following the rule of law, the people of NY need to demand action! The silence of men is deafening and cowardly