'Patrick the Pit Bull' Owner Pleads Guilty to Animal Cruelty

An Irvington woman who threw her dog down a trash chute in a Newark apartment building two years ago pleaded guilty to animal cruelty on Tuesday, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office said.

Kisha Curtis, 29, pleaded guilty to four-degree animal cruelty just one day before the trial was set to begin. Curtis was denied admission earlier this year into a pre-trial intervention program for first-time offenders.

Curtis, who now lives in Irvington, abandoned the starving Pit bull that was found "emaciated, malnourished and near death," the prosecutor's office said.

The dog became known as "Patrick the Pit bull" since the incident happened just before St. Patrick's Day in March 2011. The story gained national attention after animal-rights groups were outraged with the owner's neglect of the dog.

The Pit bull was taken to the Associated Humane Societies where he was stabilized before he was transported to the veterinary facility in Tinton Falls where he was brought back to health.

The dog is now healthy and living with a foster family. Curtis gave up all legal rights to the dog in her plea agreement. Judge Joseph Cassini will determine at sentencing who retains final custody.

Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 29. Curtis could face up to 18 months in prison. However, she will likely not serve any jail time because she has no prior convictions, the prosecutor's office said.

“Today the defendant pled guilty to the charge in the indictment," Assistant Prosecutor Margarita R. Rivera said. "We could not ask for a better result. She has taken responsibility for abusing Patrick and we hope this result will serve as a deterrent to other people who think they can mistreat animals without any repercussions.’’