DA: New Cassel man pleads guilty to animal cruelty

A New Cassel man whose pit bull was more than 30 pounds underweight pleaded guilty to animal cruelty and will spend six months in jail, Nassau County prosecutors said Friday.

Jermel Miller, 33, pleaded guilty Thursday in Nassau County Court to overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; failure to provide proper sustenance, resisting arrest and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, according to a news release from Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice.

Judge Sharon Gianelli sentenced Miller to six months in jail.

As part of his plea, Miller is prohibited from owning, harboring or having custody or control of any animals for five years, the release said.

Because Miller violated terms of parole in a 2005 conviction for assault and attempted burglary, he will serve a full year in jail, the release said.

On Jan. 5, police responding to a domestic disturbance on Biltmore Avenue in Elmont, where Miller lived at the time, found "an extremely emaciated pit bull."

Prosecutors said the white pit bull terrier, named Bronco, had open sores on his paws and that his ribs, spine and hips were clearly visible through his fur.

A male pit bull of that age typically weighs between 60 pounds and 65 pounds, prosecutors said, and Bronco weighed 29 pounds and was unable to stand without assistance.

Miller "violently resisted" when he was charged with animal cruelty, police said.

Veterinarians were able to successfully rehabilitate Bronco, who has since been placed in a new home, the release said.

Rice called Miller's actions "incredibly sad" in the release. She also thanked medical personnel who helped the animal recover, including those from the Central Veterinary Group in Valley Stream.