Mineola man allegedly abused landlord’s family dog: DA

Rebecca Klar
Peter Granath (Photos courtesy of the Nassau County District Attorney's office)

A Mineola Man was arraigned on grand jury indictment charges on Wednesday for allegedly abusing his landlord’s family pet, a 10-pound Toy Poodle, in March, the Nassau County District Attorney’s office said.

The alleged animal abuser, Peter Granath, 26, was released on his own recognizance during his Wednesday arraignment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Patricia Harrington and is due back in court on July 18.

Granath was renting a basement bedroom in a home on Wellington Road and lived there a month before the property owner and her children noticed injuries to their poodle, Layla, Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said in a release.

On March 29, after returning home from school and work, the family noticed Layla in serious distress and rushed her to a veterinarian for emergency care, Singas said.

Layla is still recovering from injuries, including a concussion, trauma to the jaw and multiple rib fractures, according to the District Attorney’s office.

Layla’s injuries, including a concussion, trauma to the jaw, multiple, bilateral rib fractures, blood in urine, corneal ulcers and bruising about the body, were determined consistent with infliction of blunt force trauma and deemed not accidental, according to the District Attorney’s office. 

Granath was allegedly the only person with access to Layla during the day on March 29, according to the District Attorney’s office.

Layla is still recovering from her injuries and the veterinary bills total more than $6,000, according to the District Attorney’s office.

“This innocent dog experienced unimaginable pain when this defendant allegedly caused horrendous injuries including a concussion, multiple rib fractures and bruising,” Singas said. “We have no tolerance for animal abuse in Nassau County because we know that those who abuse defenseless animals often harm people as well.” 

Gary Rogers, Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals President said, “These charges are another example of the great working relationship the SPCA has with the DA’s office. People know how seriously animal crimes are taken in Nassau County.”

Granath no longer lives with the family and stay away orders of protection have been ordered for the family, according tot he District Attorney’s office.

This case is being handled by Jed Painter, chief of the Animal Crimes Unit, and Assistant District Attorney Helene Weiss.

Granath is represented by attorney Samuel Rieff.

Rieff declined to comment.

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