Sullivan County Man Slams Dog Against Sidewalk, Stomps On It: Police

MONTICELLO, NY — A Sullivan County man was accused of animal abuse after it was reported he was slamming a dog against the pavement.

Shortly before 6 a.m. Wednesday, the Monticello Police Department received multiple calls about a dog that was crying and making sounds as if it was in distress on North Street in the village of Monticello.

A police officer was sent and said he found Samuel Stanford, 24, of Monticello, aggressively slamming a female pit bull dog against the pavement and stomping on the animal with his feet, police said.

After using the siren to get the man’s attention, the officer arrested him.

Stanford was charged with aggravated cruelty to an animal, a felony under the state Agriculture and Markets Law.

The dog was taken by police to a veterinarian where it was treated for serious injuries.

Stanford was issued an appearance ticket to return to the Village of Monticello Justice Court June 12.

Joanne Lionetti Gerow, shelter director and founding president at Catskill Animal Rescue Inc., posted on Facebook Monday that the pit bull dog, named Zola, sustained severe trauma to her head.

“Zola gave a little head tilt this morning!” the post said. “She seems to be improving in her range of motion and the wounds are healing.”

The pooch will have a follow-up on Tuesday, and her pain medications will be monitored.

According to the Justice for Zola fundraising site, which Gerow organized, the 2-year-old dog was treated by Dr. Scott Quick of Quality Pet Care in Monticello.

She had multiple injuries including two deep lacerations to her head, a broken cheekbone, several wounds to her body and abrasions to her legs, two broken ribs, elevated live values and a low red blood cell count.

Catskill Animal Rescue Inc. is accepting donations to help offset the expenses of continuing veterinary care and rehabilitation.

As of midday Monday, people had donated more than $5,400 out of a goal of $10,000 through the GoFundMe website.