Former NYC Correction Officer Cleared of Animal Cruelty Charges in Dog Death Case

The Queens County Supreme Court dismissed all felony animal-cruelty charges against former New York City Department of Correction officer Brandon Pearce related to the 2022 death of his ex-girlfriend's Maltese dog, Princess, after key evidence contradicted the initial accusations. The case, which began in February 2022 when Mr. Pearce was charged with felony animal cruelty after Princess was reportedly injured, concluded with a markedly different outcome from the original allegations as new evidence emerged. Witness statements, veterinary records, and an expert affidavit played crucial roles in undermining the prosecution's case.

A witness statement from Omar Velasquez claimed the complainant admitted that surveillance footage showed someone else was responsible for the dog's injuries, directly challenging the initial account. Veterinary records from V.E.T.S. New Hyde Park initially noted no visible external wounds on Princess, but a subsequent entry referencing trauma was added after detectives' follow-up, raising serious questions about the consistency and reliability of the medical findings presented in court. This inconsistency in veterinary documentation became a pivotal point in the defense's argument.

Further complicating the prosecution's case was the affidavit from surveillance expert John Layne, which confirmed that building cameras were operational and recorded continuously during the relevant period. However, four and a half hours of footage were missing without explanation, creating a significant gap in the evidence timeline and casting doubt on the completeness of the investigation. The combination of these evidentiary issues led to the withdrawal of the felony charges. By June 2025, Mr. Pearce pleaded to a single misdemeanor for failing to seek veterinary care promptly, without admitting to causing any harm to the animal.

Mr. Pearce expressed relief at the dismissal, stating, 'I have always maintained I did nothing to harm an animal. The dismissal of the cruelty charges allows me to move forward and rebuild my life.' The case, which initially drew significant media attention when the felony charges were filed, highlights the importance of thorough evidence examination in legal proceedings. The outcome underscores how initial accusations can be substantially altered or dismissed when confronted with contradictory evidence, emphasizing the judicial system's reliance on verifiable facts over allegations. This resolution allows Mr. Pearce to move forward after a lengthy legal process that questioned his actions but ultimately did not sustain the most serious charges against him.