Updated 03/09/2010 10:31 AM
Queens Woman Charged With Beating Bulldog
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A Queens woman has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with an attack on a dog that was caught on tape.
Authorities say an 11-month-old English bulldog named Spike will likely never regain his vision and will walk with a limp.
They say Maria Aguilar beat the dog with a shovel late last month.
She has been released on her own recognisance.
Neighbors who spoke with NY1 said they witnessed the abuse on multiple occasions.
"Like kick it around, and be mean to it, generally," said one neighbor.
"The dog is barking, and then you'll hear a hard slam. And then the dog will just stop barking," said another neighbor.
ASPCA investigators say Aguilar's husband had taken the dog to veterinarians 12 times in the past seven months for treatment.
Spike's previous injuries include a hip fracture, a broken leg, three broken teeth and injuries to his ears.
NY1 reached Aguilar's husband by phone. He says the family spent so thousands of dollars on medical care for Spike because they care for the dog. He adds that his wife admits hitting the dog, but says it wasn't hard enough to cause injury.
If convicted, Aguilar could face up to four years in prison.