A Peekskill man who worked at a Mount Kisco dog daycare has been arrested after surveillance video allegedly captured him violently slamming a 14-pound senior rat terrier named Milo onto a grooming table during a nail trimming. The dog reportedly lost consciousness and collapsed after returning home, and a veterinarian later found bruising across his torso consistent with recent trauma.
Cole Kamrath, identified as a Peekskill resident who worked at Dogtopia of Mount Kisco, was arrested and charged with animal cruelty by the SPCA Westchester Humane Law Enforcement Unit, according to Yonkers Times. The daycare provided video footage of the July 26 incident to investigators, and the case has drawn attention in part because it followed shortly after the alleged abuser's own profession centers on animal care.
Vet Found Bruising Consistent With Recent Trauma
After Milo returned home on the day of the alleged incident, he reportedly experienced improper walking, constant sleeping, and a loss of appetite, before eventually losing consciousness and collapsing. A local veterinarian who examined the dog discovered bruising along his torso that indicated recent trauma, per the seed reporting.
SPCA Westchester spokesperson Shannon Laukhuf said Milo's alleged abuser was captured on video and the act was reported to the SPCA Humane Law Enforcement Unit. Laukhuf added that the alleged abuse was especially disturbing given that it happened at the hands of someone who worked in a profession dedicated to caring for animals.
DA Praises Daycare's Response, Calls Conduct 'Appalling'
Westchester District Attorney Susan Cacace said she was appalled by the alleged cruel and callous conduct, and stated that people entrusted with pets must treat them with kindness and respect. Cacace also commended Dogtopia daycare for taking swift action after learning of the alleged abuse.
In a statement following the arrest, Dogtopia said its facility management immediately terminated the employee and contacted local law enforcement after discovering the video footage, according to Daily Voice, which also reported that Milo is a 14-year-old senior rat terrier. The company said it is fully cooperating with the ongoing law enforcement inquiry. Dogtopia operates more than 200 dog daycare, boarding, and spa franchises across North America, including Hudson Valley locations in Mount Kisco, New Rochelle, and Cortlandt.
SPCA Westchester's Unique Legal Authority
SPCA Westchester is the sole private organization in Westchester County granted statutory authority under New York State law to investigate animal cruelty and assist law enforcement in filing criminal charges, as Hoodline has previously reported. Notably, SPCA Westchester is not affiliated with national animal welfare organizations. Founded in 1883 by Ossining resident Mary Dusenberry to protect work horses, the group operates independently out of Briarcliff Manor and severed ties with national ASPCA entities in the 1920s.
The organization's Humane Law Enforcement Unit, which investigated the case and executed the arrest, is led by Director and Chief Criminal Investigator Ernest Lungaro, according to Patch. In 2021, SPCA Westchester opened a 27,000-square-foot Animal Rescue Center at its Briarcliff Manor campus, modernizing its shelter, medical clinic, and law enforcement operations. The agency also operates a confidential animal-cruelty hotline at 914-941-7797 for residents to report suspected abuse.
Court Date Set as Charges Remain Pending
Kamrath faces a Class A misdemeanor charge under New York Agriculture and Markets Law Section 353, which carries potential penalties of up to one year in jail and fines up to $1,000. He is scheduled to appear in Mount Kisco Justice Court on September 24, according to Mid Hudson News. It remains unclear whether additional charges will be filed as medical records and video evidence continue to be evaluated ahead of the court date.
The Mount Kisco case follows another recent animal cruelty investigation in the county, when SPCA Westchester assisted Yorktown police last month after a retired NYPD officer allegedly shot a dog on Route 118. That case, detailed in earlier Hoodline reporting, highlights the growing scrutiny animal welfare cases have received across Westchester County in recent months.
