Man Gets Five Years' Probation for Hanging Six Akitas

Originally published by The Associated Press, November 8, 2001

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) — A man who hanged six dogs, one at a time, from a bicycle rack in his garage has pleaded guilty to aggravated cruelty to animals.

Leonard Ammaturo, 51, of Edwards, Colo., admitted in court Wednesday that he killed the dogs, all Akitas, because he wanted to get rid of them before he moved from Goldens Bridge in Westchester Country last year. He had operated a dog-breeding business as well as an auto body shop and some of the dogs had won prizes at the Westminster Dog Show.

Authorities said Ammaturo had tried to have the dogs euthanized but a veterinarian refused because the dogs were healthy. Animal advocates said Ammaturo should have tried to get them adopted.

The killings came to light when neighbors found the dogs' shallow graves.

"Hanging an animal, or any living thing, is a very cruel way to impose death," said Westchester County Judge Mary Smith in accepting the guilty plea. But he avoided jail time when she promised a sentence of five years probation and a $12,000 fine. The maximum sentence was two years in prison.