A puppy at the center of a New York indictment over animal cruelty has been adopted by a new owner.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Niko, the 6-month-old puppy, was recently adopted by Dan M., a music teacher in Brooklyn. Niko’s previous owner allegedly abused him so badly that the New York State Supreme Court issued an indictment against him on “one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals and one count of Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals.”
After experiencing this alleged abuse, Niko was hospitalized and then fostered by several people, including Dan, the ASPCA said.
The music teacher told the organization how he felt when he received an email saying Niko would be placed for adoption. “I knew I wanted to adopt Niko. I just couldn’t say no,” Dan said.
According to the indictment, Niko’s previous owner threw the dog, who was 14 weeks old at the time, off a bed, breaking numerous bones. The owner then ran the puppy under hot water, burning him, the indictment added. This treatment left Niko with two femur fractures, three rib fractures, and severe burns on his back, ear, forehead, eye, and muzzle.
Niko’s injuries as seen on an X-ray. A New York indictment said the puppy had multiple broken bones before being taken to an ASPCA hospital. Niko’s injuries as seen on an X-ray. A New York indictment said the puppy had multiple broken bones before being taken to an ASPCA hospital. ASPCA
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a news release related to the indictment, “Pets are expected to be cared for by their owners, and this horrific alleged behavior will not be tolerated.”
The court case against Niko’s previous owner, who is presumed innocent unless proved guilty, is ongoing.
This alleged abuse occurred on March 27, and Niko was transported to an ASPCA hospital on April 1, where he recovered until late May.
Dr. J’mai Gayle, the director of surgery at the ASPCA Animal Hospital who performed surgeries to fix Niko’s leg fractures, reported, “His left femur was fractured into multiple pieces and spanned almost the entire length of the bone, indicating a high-impact injury.”
According to Gayle, despite his pain and the abuse he allegedly suffered at the hands of his previous owner, Niko was a great patient. “He let us do everything,” she said. “He was so trusting.”
Dan M. with Niko the puppy. Dan adopted Niko after he allegedly experienced abuse at the hands of his previous owner. Dan M. with Niko the puppy. Dan adopted Niko after he allegedly experienced abuse at the hands of his previous owner. ASPCA
According to the ASPCA, Gayle ended up fostering Niko toward the end of his care. She told the organization: “My daughter and I took him for walks and teach him basic commands like how to shake and roll over. He liked going with us to get coffee.”
A spokesperson for the ASPCA told Newsweek of the importance of fostering animals: “Foster caregivers, especially those who can take on animals who require ongoing medical care or behavioral support, are also integral to this work. These animals are often held in legal limbo while their criminal case plays out, which means we’re not able to adopt them out until disposition is determined by the court.
“Shelters are naturally stressful places for animals—the chance to spend time in a comfortable home outside of the shelter is critical to preparing them for life in a permanent home.”
The ASPCA said Niko still had a fear of water, which his foster carers and new owner had noticed.
Niko playing in the park. The ASPCA has said that with the right support, many animals who have experienced abuse are capable of overcoming it. Niko playing in the park. The ASPCA has said that with the right support, many animals who have experienced abuse are capable of overcoming it. ASPCA
A spokesperson for the ASPCA also told Newsweek that dogs that had experienced trauma could be rehabilitated: “Animals are incredibly resilient, and with the right support, many are capable of overcoming abuse and tragedy.
“We’re often working with cats and dogs who have experienced horrific trauma or are severely under-socialized, but each animal is an individual who has their own unique set of circumstances and conditions and should be treated as such.
“When brought into our care, specialized medical, behavior, and sheltering professionals focus on giving second chances to these vulnerable and victimized animals. This includes addressing under-socialization or other behavioral concerns and helping prepare them for life in a home.”
Discussing his dog’s past traumas, Dan told the ASPCA: “When I learned about what he had been through, I felt bad.
“I wanted to give him a better life. He loves learning; his favorite game is hide and seek. We come up with new games and I reinforce basic commands.”
Niko and Dan playing in the park. Dan said Niko loves learning. Niko and Dan playing in the park. Dan said Niko loves learning. ASPCA
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