Renter Injured, Abused Homeowner's Toy Poodle In Nassau: DA

A Mineola man was arraigned Wednesday for charges in connection to abusing and injuring his landlord's 10-pound Toy Poodle, according to Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas.

According to the DA, 26-year-old Peter Granath was renting a basement bedroom of a Wellington Road home for about a month before the property owner and her children noticed unexplainable injuries to their 8-year-old dog named Layla. On March 29, the landlord and children had to rush their dog to the veterinarian for emergency care after they returned home and noticed Layla was in serious distress.

The dog was diagnosed with a concussion, trauma to the jaw, multiple bilateral rib fractures, blood in urine, corneal ulcers and bruising about the body. The vet concluded that the injuries were not accidental and instead caused by blunt force trauma. The DA determined Granath was the only person with access to the dog on that day.

Layla's vet bill, to date, has totaled over $6,000. She is still recovering from her injuries.

Granath no longer lives in the home and stay away orders of protection were ordered for the family.

“This innocent dog experienced unimaginable pain when this defendant allegedly caused horrendous injuries including a concussion, multiple rib fractures and bruising,” Singas said in a statement. “We have no tolerance for animal abuse in Nassau County because we know that those who abuse defenseless animals often harm people as well.”

Granath was arraigned on second-degree criminal mischief, and overdriving, torturing and injuring animals charges. He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court July 18.

The Nassau County SPCA helped the DA with this investigation. “These charges are another example of the great working relationship the SPCA has with the DA’s office," Nassau County SPCA President Gary Rogers said. "People know how seriously animal crimes are taken in Nassau County.”

Image via Nassau DA