A 36-year-old bus driver has been arrested for starving a young Chihuahua and neglecting to treat an eye injury she suffered while her owner was away, authorities said.
Someone called ASPCA to express concern over 1-year-old ChaCha, who appeared severely emaciated and had an ulcerated eye. An ASPCA representative responded to the call and brought ChaCha to an animal hospital, where the infected eye had to be removed.
A subsequent investigation revealed that Staten Island resident Tino Garuccio had been caring for ChaCha from August 5 to September 16 during the pet owner's absence, and he failed to seek treatment for the eye injury. ASPCA veterinarians also determined that the dog was in pain, dehydrated and emaciated as a result of starvation.
ChaCha was returned to her owner October 1 and is said to be recovering.
Garuccio was charged with two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and faces up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine for each count if convicted.
