- New York, USA -
~ Update: July 28, 2023
I have received an email from Mr. Nolan Pitkin who is the Assistant District Attorney in charge of prosecuting animal cruelty cases in Jefferson County. Mr. Pitkin is also a member of the Jefferson County Animal Cruelty Task Force.
Mr. Pitkin told me the dog removed from VIRGIL-WILKINSON’s care and custody is a male Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler (pictured). The furvictim’s name and age have not been confirmed but Mr. Pitkin believes the furbaby “is still a young dog (between eight months and a year and a half).”
To my question whether the dog is VIRGIL-WILKINSON’s, Mr. Pitkin said: “It is my understanding that this dog does, in fact, belong to the defendant in this case.”
Mr. Pitkin then said about the furvictim: “I had the opportunity to meet him this morning, and he enjoyed all of the attention and treats! He is safe and is being treated great at the shelter right now.”
No other information could be disclosed as the case is still active.
~ Update: Jul 28, 2023
In response to my inquiry about the dog, Watertown Police Detective Sergeant Giaquinto told me in an email that “Further details can’t be disclosed at this time as this case is still pending prosecution and is therefore considered open.”
I have also emailed Jefferson County District Attorney Kristyna S. Mills and requested the same information. Should I receive a response, I will rectify the article accordingly.
~ Original Story:
The Watertown City Police Department charged 25-years-old DALONTAE VIRGIL-WILKINSON in connection with a case where a defenseless dog was repeatedly struck.
According to a press release by the Watertown City Police obtained by Voice For Us, on the morning of Thursday, July 27, 2023, police responded to an animal abuse complaint at an apartment on 1223 Faichney Drive.
The police allege that VIRGIL-WILKINSON struck a dog five times, causing the furbaby to yelp.
They additionally say that VIRGIL-WILKINSON then proceeded to pick up the furvictim by the neck and carried him/her down a set of stairs.
VIRGIL-WILKINSON, residing at 1221 Faichney Drive apartment 7, was charged with one misdemeanor count of Torturing an Animal.
The assailant was arraigned at Watertown City Court before Judge Anthony M. Neddo who issued a warrant to remove the dog. Jefferson County Dog Control took custody of the furvictim.
Judge Neddo released VIRGIL-WILKINSON on his own recognizance. Court records show that VIRGIL-WILKINSON is expected back in court on August 3, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.
The Watertown City Police Department did not disclose additional details about the Voiceless Victim nor his/her current well-being status. I have emailed the Department and requested information. If I get a response, I will post an update.
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.
Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
Additional Source:
#VoiceForUs #animalcruelty #crueldadanimal #animalslivesmatter #law #lawmakers #dogs #prosecutors #judges #deathpenaltyforanimalabusers #cruautéanimale #tierquälerei #torture #jeffersoncounty #newyork #watertown
