ASPCA says Coffee not being abused

View more videos at: http://nbcnewyork.com.

Is Norberto Fernandez exploiting his dog? Maybe. Is he abusing her? No — at least that’s the opinion of an ASPCA investigator who looked into the treatment of Coffee, a pit bull who poses for donations outside New York stadiums during baseball games.

Animal welfare officials have examined the dog often seen panhandling outside Mets and Yankees games and say she bears “no signs of abuse or neglect,” NBC News reported.

The dog, typically dressed in baseball jerseys and often seen wearing a Groucho Marx disguise, or with a pipe in her mouth, was examined Wednesday by the ASPCA.

“It was determined that she bore no signs of abuse or neglect,” the ASPCA said in a statement. “The ASPCA will continue to monitor this situation and be prepared to take action, in the event that any New York State animal cruelty laws are being violated.”

The owner, Norberto Fernandez, of Queens, spoke told NBC New York on Tuesday that he is a professional dog trainer who rescued Coffee from the streets and taught it to pose and hold a pipe in its mouth. He said they make about $75 with each appearance.

“All I do is train dogs and people are starting to hate on me — they’re surprised of all the tricks my dog can do,” Fernandez said.

Some animal lovers have claimed Coffee works without water or rest, and that her behavior is controlled through use of a shock collar — all allegations Fernandez denied. An ASPCA veterinarian found no evidence of a shock collar on Wednesday.

Concerns about the dog’s situation prompted the creation of a Facebook page, “Stop Abusing Coffee.”

Judging from the comments there, not everybody is satisfied with the ASPCA’s investigation, in which Coffee was visited at her home, rather than during one of her appearances at the ballparks.

Posted by jwoestendiek May 26th, 2011 under Muttsblog.
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Comments

Comment from John
Time May 26, 2011 at 4:19 pm

There’s a photo of the owner putting the pipe in the dog’s mouth with shock collar remote in hand, for God’s sake.

Comment from Rio Lopez
Time May 26, 2011 at 7:04 pm

1st off, he is not at every game, 2nd, he always seems happy, if he was abused, wouldnt it be noticeable in his looks and behavior? He is not there the entire game and he does drink water and lay down. i know because i work at citifield. i also must ask, have anyone of u tried a dogs shock collar? I have around my arm and it is more of an uncomfortable feeling than it is painful. Im not saying its right, but she seems she loves the attention everytime i see her. Ive never noticed a shock collar on her, and will be looking next time i see him. Im more curious than concerned. just asking for facts, and dont believe pics, theres something called photoshop, look into it ;)

Comment from Larry
Time May 27, 2011 at 4:53 pm

I find it outageous that there is so much concern for the welfare of a pit bull, while abortion is legal. Dog freaks don’t care about unborn babies; all they care about are dogs.

Comment from Larry
Time May 27, 2011 at 4:57 pm

Since dog cultists are so unconfident, my posts will be censored. Freedom of speech does not exist on dog lover sites.

Comment from Larry
Time May 27, 2011 at 5:00 pm

So what about this dog? Child abuse is a far graver crime. Dogs are just animals. Most of you eat animals, right?? I’ve eaten dog in China. Delicious!

Comment from Larry
Time May 27, 2011 at 5:05 pm

Cattle are zapped by electric prods. But you don’t care about them, huh. Or about pigs or chickens. If a dog gets zapped, you go ballistic. If a cow gets zapped or branded, you couldn’t care less.

Comment from Anonymous
Time May 27, 2011 at 9:03 pm

Hey Larry, you’re on the wrong site man, please take your completely irrelevant and ill informed arguments elsewhere.

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