Poop City

A slow, painful death - in plain sight

Winston Mitchell, 37, of Queens, faces up to a year in jail after being arrested late last week for leaving Apollo tied on a short chain in his backyard, where the two-year-old pit bull mix starved and froze to death in temps at least as cold as 18 degrees, according to authorities.

Almost as infuriating is that as Apollo suffered, Mitchell's neighbors knew what was happening, but did not alert the cops until it was too late. A neighbor's account that s/he "begged" Mitchell to take Apollo indoors counters his sniveling excuse that he forgot the dog was there. Apollo's body was found frozen to the ground behind 32-20 107th Street in East Elmhurst, reports the Daily News.

Said ASPCA Special Agent Joseph Pentangelo, to the Post: "To starve and be frozen to death just inches from shelter is the definition of cruelty."

Meanwhile, the city and its "outdoor" pets are in for another blast of deadly cold.

(Don't Step) On It

Since winter seems to have finally arrived, it's a good time to reconsider what the cold means to our animal companions. In addition to (what should be) obvious advice - i.e. don't lock your dog in the garage with an idling automobile - Steve Dale tells us that small dogs, as well as some larger ones, should wear sweaters when outdoors in freezing temperatures (no word on kimonos). Dale even suggests doggy booties to protect feet from frostbite and street salt. As for felines, again with the obvious: "Of course, life is safer and far more comfortable indoors for cats" - a tip echoed by the ASPCA.

And as Con Ed gets a smack from the state (and a smooch from the mayor) for last summer's blackout, let us not forget the deadly "stray voltage" plague of last winter, which claimed the life of Barkis. If for no other reason than the incompetence of our local utility, maybe those booties are a good idea.

Photo: Tamara Hey