A 65-year-old woman from Greenwich has been arrested on multiple charges of animal cruelty after authorities discovered that she had intentionally withheld food and water from two dogs, leading to their deaths. Marie Feniello, who also has an address in Oxford, New Jersey, was charged with three counts of cruelty to animals after an investigation by Greenwich police.
The case began in November when a veterinarian alerted authorities after Feniello brought in an emaciated 1-year-old black Labrador, named Thatcher, for treatment. According to the police warrant, Feniello claimed the dog had suffered a seizure and appeared lethargic. Thatcher was examined at the Fairfield Veterinary Hospital and was advised to seek further care at the VCA Norwalk Veterinary Emergency Referral Hospital.
During the investigation, Feniello mentioned that two other black Labradors, Augi and Sawyer, had died suddenly in her home. She claimed she was unsure of the cause of death, and later attempted to have the dogs cremated but was unable to pay for the service, leaving the remains with the pet crematory. A necropsy conducted on the remains revealed both dogs were severely malnourished, with empty digestive systems indicating they had not eaten for at least 48 hours before their deaths.
In December, animal control officers visited Feniello’s home, where they found two more black Labradors cramped in a single dog crate. A third dog was wearing a diaper, and several cats were hiding amid the clutter. The warrant stated that it appeared Feniello was withholding food and water from her animals as a form of punishment for disobedience.
An examination of Thatcher also found the dog to be severely underweight, weighing just 37 pounds, and while no direct cause for his seizure could be identified, possible toxin ingestion could not be ruled out.
Feniello was arrested on March 25 and her bond was set at $50,000. After her arraignment, she was ordered to refrain from owning any animals and undergo a mental health evaluation and treatment. The investigation continues as authorities work to hold her accountable for the mistreatment of her animals.