N.Y. Breeder Accused of Killing Dogs

Originally published by The Associated Press, June 12, 2001

LEWISBORO, N.Y. (AP) — A dog breeder was charged with killing six Akitas by hanging them from a bicycle rack in his garage, then burying them on his property.

Leonard Ammaturo was arraigned Monday night on six counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, Westchester County District Attorney Jeanine Pirro said. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to two years in prison.

Ammaturo, 51, allegedly killed the dogs before he moved to Edwards, Colo., in November. In March, neighbor dogs that were being walked on the property in Goldens Bridge dug up one of the shallow graves. Police then exhumed the six carcasses, and tests showed the big dogs had been asphyxiated, state police Investigator Joseph Becerra said.

Ammaturo allegedly admitted hanging the dogs when detectives in Colorado interviewed him. Ammaturo's lawyer, Pat Bonnano, would not comment except to say Ammaturo had no previous record and had cooperated with authorities.

Donna Stelzl, rescue coordinator of the Akita Club of America, said the dogs could have been put up for adoption and found homes, depending on their age, temperament and health.

The aggravated cruelty charge was added to state law in 1999 so that severe cases could be prosecuted as felonies. The measure is known as "Buster's Law" for a cat who died in Schenectady after being set on fire.

"Studies conducted during the last 25 years have shown correlation between animal cruelty and other forms of violent criminal behavior," Pirro said.

Ammaturo was taken to the Westchester County Jail when he could not post the $10,000 bail.