Peekskill Man Arraigned on Animal Cruelty Charge for Abusing Dog at Mount Kisco Grooming Salon
September 25, 2026
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced today that a Peekskill man was arraigned on an animal cruelty charge after he was allegedly captured on surveillance video violently slamming a small, elderly dog onto a metal table while employed at a Mount Kisco pet grooming business.
The defendant, Cole Kamrath, 29, was arraigned Thursday night before the Honorable Mark F. Farrell in Mount Kisco Town Court on a charge of Animal Cruelty, a Class A misdemeanor.
He pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance, as the charge is not bail eligible under New York State Law. The defendant is due back in court on October 15, 2026.
DA Cacace said: “The defendant’s alleged treatment of a defenseless animal is inexcusable. Mr. Kamrath was entrusted with grooming Milo, a 14-year-old Rat Terrier, but instead of treating him with patience and compassion, he allegedly slammed the innocent dog onto a metal table. Despite the defendant’s alleged senseless actions, Milo was fortunate to escape with no serious injuries. As a result of the fortunately limited injuries suffered by Milo, the applicable law limited the criminal charges we could bring against the defendant for his inexcusable conduct. I commend Dogtopia for taking swift action after discovering the alleged abuse, and our great partners at the SPCA for their unwavering commitment to protecting our precious pets.”
On July 26, 2026, at approximately 5:30 p.m., it is alleged that the defendant, while employed at Dogtopia of Mount Kisco, picked up Milo, a 14-year-old Rat Terrier weighing approximately 14 pounds, and slammed him onto a metal grooming table after attempting to trim his nails. The incident, which was captured on surveillance video, left Milo, who had a tether around his neck attached to the grooming table, suspended in the air, swinging around the table. The impact caused Milo to collapse and become briefly unresponsive.
Following the appointment, Milo’s owners noticed that he was not eating, had difficulty walking straight, was sleeping inconsistently, and was shaking. They took Milo to a veterinarian, who discovered bruising and tenderness on his abdomen, injuries consistent with trauma.
Milo’s owners then contacted Dogtopia to determine whether anything had happened to him during his appointment, prompting the business to review surveillance footage that allegedly captured the incident.
Dogtopia immediately terminated the defendant’s employment and reported the incident to the SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Unit, which arrested him on Sept. 2, 2026, with assistance from the Westchester County Department of Public Safety.
The SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Unit investigated the incident, with assistance from the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office Animal Cruelty Coordinator.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney and Animal Cruelty Coordinator Alexander Shapiro.
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The charges against the defendant are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty