Henrietta Resident to Face Charges for Striking Dog Outside Veterinary Clinic
Witnesses reported seeing Michael Maiorano repeatedly punching his black Labrador retriever
Fairport, N.Y. – On Tuesday April 20, 2021, Henrietta resident Michael Maiorano will appear at Mendon Town Court to face charges of animal cruelty. Lollypop Farm Humane Law Enforcement Investigators charged Maiorano with the misdemeanor offense of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals.
On March 17th, 2021 Lollypop Farm Investigators received a call from staff at Mendon Village Animal Hospital reporting that a customer was seen abusing his dog. Multiple staff of the veterinary clinic, including a Licensed Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Assistant, reported seeing Maiorano hitting his dog, a black Labrador retriever named Jetta, multiple times with a closed fist both while outside the veterinary hospital and later when the dog was in the car. Witnesses described the incidents as excessive, uncontrolled, and horrific.
“We are grateful to the Mendon Village Animal Hospital staff for holding this customer accountable by coming forward to report what they witnessed” says Lollypop Farm Vice President for Humane Law Enforcement Reno Di Domenico. “Aggressive outbursts of anger are rarely one-time occurrences and reporting such instances helps bring abusers to justice and keep our community’s pets and people safe.”
Maiorano faces up to a year in prison and/or $1,000 fine for the misdemeanor charge.
Lollypop Farm maintains an SPCA designation and its Humane Law Enforcement Department is charged with investigating and enforcing the animal cruelty laws of New York State. Serving Monroe, Orleans, Livingston, and Genesee counties, Lollypop Farm plays a critical role in addressing animal cruelty in the community. These humane law enforcement officers are certified state peace officers with the authority to make arrests and seize animals being abused or neglected. Lollypop Farm and its Humane Law Enforcement Department receive no tax dollars or government funding.
To report suspected animal cruelty, call the Lollypop Farm Animal Cruelty Hotline at (585) 223-6500 or 911 for immediate life-threatening situations.
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About Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester: Established in 1873, Lollypop Farm is the largest animal welfare organization helping pets and people in the Greater Rochester area. Together with the community, the organization betters the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and life-saving care. With a main campus in Fairport and four other adoption centers throughout the community, the organization provides shelter, care, and adoption for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, horses, and other farm animals. Lollypop Farm is an independent nonprofit organization supported solely through contributions, grants, investments, proceeds from retail sales, and fees for programs and services. For more information and to meet adoptable animals, please visit www.lollypop.org.