Rockville Centre resident convicted of animal cruelty

Peter Galantino, a resident of Rockville Centre, has been convicted of animal cruelty following a dispute with his neighbors, James and Elizabeth Joyce.

The incident occurred on March 14, 2020, after Galantino allowed his dog to relieve itself on the Joyces' front lawn. When Mrs. Joyce confronted him regarding the legal requirement to clean up after pets in New York, the confrontation escalated. Galantino kicked the Joyces' four-pound Yorkshire Terrier, Mocha, approximately seven feet into the air, causing the dog to land headfirst on the pavement.

The case highlights the difficulties in prosecuting animal cruelty, as law enforcement often discourages reports involving pets. However, the prosecution was aided by Mrs. Joyce’s professional background as a retired NYPD K9 trainer.