Animal welfare agents arrested Brooklyn resident Leedell Walker this week for allegedly neglecting and starving his 3-year-old pit bull named Drew.

ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) veterinarians ultimately concluded that Drew was near death, in a critical state of shock and anemic, and that he had been neglected, starved and denied needed medical attention. Upon intake, Drew weighed 37 pounds.

Based on the contents inside his stomach, it was clear the dog had been eating garbage, including non-edible items like towels and plastic, in an attempt to survive. Walker claimed the dog had refused to eat.  

After receiving intensive treatment by ASPCA staff, Drew now weighs over 65 pounds. Drew is recovering at the hospital and will eventually be made available for adoption.

Walker, 57, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, was charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. If convicted, he faces up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Walker was released, given a desk appearance ticket, and is scheduled to appear in Brooklyn Criminal Court on June 11.

Walker had a court date in Brooklyn just days prior for criminal possession of a stolen credit card and petit larceny. He is due back in court for that case on Oct. 26.

On Dec. 27, 2011, the severely emaciated dog was brought to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital by Walker. He had claimed that the dog had not been eating, and he relinquished him to the ASPCA. 

Veterinarians at the hospital, who were concerned about the circumstances of the dog’s condition, notified ASPCA law enforcement agents and an investigation was launched. 

Walker is the 17th person arrested by the ASPCA for animal cruelty in the city this year. Five of those arrests were in Brooklyn.

To report animal cruelty in New York City, contact the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4450 or [email protected].

–Ryan Thompson

Brooklyn Daily Eagle