New York: Staten Island woman, Alsu Ivanchenko, 35, who beat her puppy, left her battered in plastic bag near railroad tracks convicted on animal cruelty charges

NEW YORK -- A Staten Island woman accused of leaving her battered puppy in a plastic bag beside a railroad track was convicted Tuesday on animal cruelty charges.

Alsu Ivanchenko, 35, faces up to two years in prison after a judge found her guilty of abuse that left the fluffy, white-haired, pink-bowed pooch with a broken leg, fractured skull and a brain injury.

 

Prosecutors said the Shih Tsu, named Snowflake at the time, was left to die near the train tracks of the Staten Island Railway about a year ago, when a good Samaritan found the dog and took her to the South Shore Animal Hospital.

Vets recognized the dog and contacted police. The dog has since been renamed Charlotte.

 

"The defendant showed utter disregard for the well-being of this helpless dog," said Acting District Attorney Daniel L. Master. "Her cruel actions were depraved and sadistic, proving that she had every intent of causing extreme physical pain to Charlotte when she abandoned her and left her to die."

Ivanchenko was found guilty of one count of felony aggravated cruelty to animals, one count of misdemeanor torturing and injuring animals, and one count of misdemeanor abandonment in a case that outraged animal advocates.

After rejecting a plea deal that would have given her six months in jail and restitution for the cost of treating the pup, Ivanchenko took her chances with a bench trial.

Officials said Ivanchenko beat the 1.1 pound, 3-month-old Maltese mix and drove to South Railroad Avenue on the evening of Sept. 12, 2014.

She then threw the bag out her car window near the train tracks at Hopkins Avenue because she didn't want to pay for the dog's medical care.

Officials said the dog made a healthy recovery and was later adopted.

Prosecutors said Ivanchenko went on to purchase a second puppy as a replacement.

(NY Daily News - Sept 15, 2015)

Earlier:

• Charlotte the puppy remains under close observation of the ASPCA
• Judge rules against alleged dog-abuser Alsu Ivanchenko
• Cop: Alleged dog-abuser lied about euthanizing puppy
• Vet: Alleged abuser was 'shocked' by cost to treat injured pup; refused further treatment
• Detective: Video shows alleged dog-abuser's Jeep in area where injured pup found