
Photo courtesy of the NYPD
Editor’s Note: Norwood News is officially on our annual summer hiatus. However, we are continuing to publish some ad hoc stories online that we couldn’t get to earlier this year. We hope everyone gets some time to enjoy the last few weeks of summer and thanks, as always, for reading.
The NYPD said a 27-year-old man has been arrested on aggravated animal cruelty charges in the Belmont section of The Bronx.
They said that on Monday, Aug. 4, at around 1.53 p.m. inside 2373 Prospect Avenue, officers from the 48th Precinct responded to 311 calls regarding a 27-year-old male observed on surveillance video grabbing a dog by the throat and striking it.
“In a separate surveillance video, the same individual was seen slamming the dog on the ground and striking it multiple times as the dog was heard crying,” a police spokesperson. “The individual was subsequently arrested and charged.”
Police said officers entered the home and found nine dogs malnourished and living in deplorable conditions. “The animals were taken to the Animal Control Center in stable condition,” the spokesperson said.
Higee Mercer Wally, 27, of 2373 Prospect Avenue was arrested and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and torture / injure / not feeding an animal.
“After investigating a disturbing surveillance video, @NYPD48pct officers arrested a dog owner for violently assaulting his pet,” police said. Their swift action also led to the rescue of nine malnourished dogs living in unsafe conditions inside the apartment.”
The 48th Precinct covers Fordham University, Belmont, East Tremont and West Farms.
Meanwhile, as reported, another dog owner was recently reunited with his dog after it was stolen while he slept on the D train as it entered the 205th Street station in Norwood.
In New York City, animal abuse can be reported by calling 311 or 911 for crimes in progress. The NYPD has an Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad (ACIS) that works with the ASPCA to address and prevent animal cruelty. The ASPCA provides crucial support, including forensic evaluations and medical treatment for rescued animals.


Good Job these perpetrators must be registered and banned from owning or having Dogs Cats Pets! As part of the the penalties period!