BROOKLYN - Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes today honored two veterinarians with “Making a Difference” Awards for their roles in the recognition and treatment of victims of animal cruelty. District Attorney Hynes presented certificates to Dr. Robert Reisman from the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and Dr. Brett Levitzke, the Founder and Medical Director of VERG (Veterinary Emergency Referral Group). 

The veterinarians were recognized for their contributions to the investigation of animal cruelty and forensic support that allows these cases to be effectively brought and successfully prosecuted. The Award is presented each year to those who have made a significant contribution to the battle against animal cruelty and fighting.

“My office aggressively investigates and prosecutes the crimes of animal neglect, fighting and cruelty”, Hynes said.   “We seek jail time for every defendant convicted of felony animal cruelty or fighting. Research shows that animal cruelty can be part of domestic violence and is a precursor to violence against others. Children who are cruel to animals may be victims of abuse, bullying or neglect themselves. Brooklyn has many unique programs, and animal cruelty cases are handled in traditional criminal courtrooms as well as a full service family/criminal court, the Red Hook Community Court and our Mental Health Court. My office also works to prevent animal cruelty through our training programs and project Legal Lives in Brooklyn classrooms. It is important to recognize outstanding individuals such as Dr. Reisman and Dr. Levitzke who play such a significant role in keeping animals safe and healthy.”

The District Attorney’s Office handles cases of animal cruelty, fighting and neglect each year.  Just last year, the District Attorney’s Office indicted two teens for torturing and killing a cat by lighting it on fire. Both VERG and the ASPCA assisted in the prosecution of Dudley Ramsay, who was convicted last month for beating his dachshund puppy to death.
         
“Dr. Reisman’s expertise and dedication is unparalleled. He makes an extraordinary difference in every case he handles,” said Stacy Wolf, Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel of Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. “He consistently works to mitigate the problem of animal abuse and neglect within the community and is an asset to the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Hospital staff.”

VERG was founded by Dr. Levitzke in 2005 as a multi-disciplinary referral-only hospital, located in Cobble Hill. They are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and have an Emergency/Critical Care Unit where no referral is needed.