HYDE PARK – An East Fishkill woman has been charged with a misdemeanor under state Agriculture and Markets law for allegedly starving her puppy.

The Dutchess County SPCA charged Mellissa Petrillo after her German shepherd puppy, Gordito, was removed from apartment emaciated and covered in feces.

Humane Law Enforcement Officer Jami Landry described the puppy as a 17-week-old female with black and tan coloring. “The owner did not take Gordito in for her veterinarian check even though the dog was suffering,” Landry said. “Gordito’s owner was provided a free medical checkup when she purchased the dog from a breeder. Gordito is recovering and has since been adopted from East Fishkill Animal Control.