ONONDAGA COUNTY, NY – On Wednesday, July 26, Officers arrived around 8:25 pm on the 900 block of South Geddes Street after reports of an injured animal.
The Officers found a female pitbull, black and white in color, appearing to have a stab wound in the neck. Despite efforts to save her, the dog succumbed to the injuries.
While the injured dog was being transported, a man named Thomas Hemmingway approached the officers, claiming to have stabbed the dog in self-defense after it allegedly bit him. However, no bite marks were found on Hemmingway’s leg.
Video evidence later revealed that Hemmingway had not acted in self-defense. Footage showed Hemmingway, armed with a large knife, approaching the dog, held on a leash by an unknown individual.
After an altercation, Hemmingway stabbed the dog and acted aggressively before walking away. The Animal Cruelty Division subsequently arrested Hemmingway for Aggravated Animal Cruelty, and he was held at the Onondaga County Justice Center.