Yonkers police officer saves kitten, then adopts her

YONKERS (WABC) -- A Yonkers police officer has found the silver lining in a terrible case of animal neglect by giving a kitten a new lease on life.

On Monday, Police Officer William Pataky arrested Christina Harris for animal cruelty.

She's accused of abandoning a dog on the city streets that ended up dying of starvation.

During his investigation, the officer went to search an apartment the suspect previously lived at, and found a kitten.

The kitten had been abandoned for five days and was in need of medical treatment.

Officer Pataky rushed the kitten to the Yonkers Animal Shelter where she was nursed back to health.

On Thursday, Officer Pataky officially adopted the little kitten.

When asked about the kitten's adoption, P.O. Pataky commented "I consider myself fortunate to be able to provide a home for this animal. I don't know what I will name her yet, but it will be fun coming up with a special name for her."

Officer Pataky has worked on many animal cruelty cases with SPCA of Westchester Chief Investigator Ernie Lungaro, particularly cases involving animal neglect in southwest Yonkers.

The Yonkers Police Department would like to encourage anyone wishing to adopt a cat or dog to call the Yonkers Animal Shelter at 914-377-6730.

The shelter is located at 1000 Ridge Hill Boulevard (exit 6A off the northbound NYS Thruway).

Also if you have a suggestion on what Officer Pataky should name his new kitten, you can leave a comment on the Yonkers Police Department's Facebook post.