Bayville Couple Found Guilty of Starving Sick Dog

German Shorthaired Pointer ‘Liko’ weighed only 23 pounds at time of arrests

HEMPSTEAD, NY – Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced today that a judge has found a Bayville couple guilty of nearly starving their pet German Shorthaired Pointer to death, even while the dog was suffering from the effects of a potentially fatal infection.

Giuseppe Milito, and his wife, Silvana Gamen-Milito, both 50, were each convicted in First District Court of misdemeanor Animal Cruelty. Nassau County District Court Judge David Goodsell issued the verdict Thursday and will sentence the defendants March 16. They face a maximum of a year in jail

Rice said that on July 31, 2007, peace officers for the Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) responded to the defendants’ residence after a neighbor filed a complaint about their dog Liko’s condition. Officers found Liko emaciated in the residence’s backyard and appearing weak and listless. Officers assisted the couple with finding a local veterinarian.

Rice said the couple brought the dog to the veterinarian three days later. Liko weighed only 23 pounds at the time of the examination, was unable to eat on her own, and was found to be suffering from Pyometra, a potentially fatal infection that can cause severe pain and suffering. Milito and Gamen-Milito were arrested Aug. 30, 2007.

“This is appalling,” said Rice. “To treat a defenseless animal this way is disgusting, immoral, and as long as I am DA it will be criminal. This verdict will ensure that Liko won’t have to go back to this family and to this miserable life.”

Since the arrests, Liko has lived with the veterinarian responsible for her treatment.

Rice thanked the Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for their assistance in this investigation and prosecution.

Assistant District Attorneys Elizabeth Mazzapica and Jed Painter of the DA’s District Court Bureau are handling the case for the District Attorney’s Office. Both of the defendants are represented by Joseph LoPicollo, Esq.