Dr. Andrew Manesis, 66, of New Canaan, Connecticut, was charged with scheme to defraud, violation of environmental conservation law and two counts of petit larceny.
The investigation began April 5 when a transportation worker found the remains of 35 animals - 26 cats, eight dogs and a lizard - in dense brush along the Hutchinson River Parkway in Harrison near the junction of Interstate 287. Autopsies of the remains revealed that the animals had died of natural causes.
Detectives were able to use evidence collected at the scene to identify the owners of two of the animals and link the cases to Animal Clinic and Surgery of Throggs Neck PC, also known as Throggs Neck Animal Hospital, at 3800 East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx.
According to the SPCA, Manesis took payments to properly dispose of the animals, but instead dumped them along the Parkway.
"Dr. Manesis was entrusted by his clients to dispose of their pets' remains in a proper and dignified manner," Public Safety Commissioner George N. Longworth said. "Instead, it appears he simply pulled off to the side of a local highway and tossed the animal carcasses into the woods."
Manesis faces misdemeanor charges of petit larceny, scheme to defraud and a violation of environmental code. His court appearance is scheduled for June 5.
A message left at Throgs Neck Animal Hospital in the Bronx wasn't immediately returned.
Manesis lives in New Canaan, Conn.
Detectives are continuing their effort to determine the owners of the other animals that were found along the highway. Anyone with information can contact detectives at 1-877-220-3560.
---
