Patrick The Miracle Dog's Abuser Pleads Not Guilty In Court

Patrick Supporters Stand Outside Courthouse
Patrick supporters stand outside courthouse.

Kisha Curtis, the Newark, New Jersey woman accused of abusing and abandoning the 1-year-old Pit Bull named Patrick, appeared for the first time in Superior Court Friday morning pleading not guilty to several animal cruelty counts.

Curtis, 27, was charged last month with two counts of tormenting and torturing a living creature and two counts of abandonment.

The emaciated dog was found by a custodian in a trash bag that was dumped down a Newark, New Jersey apartment building’s trash chute in mid-March.

Patrick, so named because he was found the day after St. Patrick’s Day, has since made a miraculous recovery and continues to improve at Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls, New Jersey.

“He’s doing really well,” said Patricia Smillie-Scavelli, hospital administrator of Garden State Veterinary Specialists.

“He’s a people dog.”

Judge Joseph Cassini III set June 2 as the date when he would decide where Patrick would ultimately be placed.

Meanwhile, nearly 100 protesters from two loosely organized animal-advocate groups, gathered near the courthouse to call attention to what they said were the state’s lax laws against animal abuse in New Jersey .

One of those animal-rights advocates, Gerry Leighton, of Flanders, New Jersey, said Patrick’s plight was partly the result of lax state laws against animal cruelty.

“They’re not trash,” Leighton aid.

“They’re helpless,” she said. “They depend on us for their well-being.”

Story By Elaine Furst For Dog Files

Alleged Abuser of Patrick
Alleged Abuser of Patrick, Kisha Curtis enters the courtroom.
Kisha Curtis leaves the courtroom as Patrick supporters watch.
Kisha Curtis leaves the courtroom as Patrick supporters watch.
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CM
CM
12 years ago

I hope she realizes what she has done to a living, breathing creature and the judge sees fit to give her the max sentence. Patrick didn’t deserve the abuse he got. None of God’s creatures deserves that kind of treatment.

CM
CM
12 years ago

I hope she realizes what she has done to a living, breathing creature and the judge sees fit to give her the max sentence. Patrick didn’t deserve the abuse he got. None of God’s creatures deserves that kind of treatment.

sommers
sommers
12 years ago
Reply to  CM

In the meantime, can we support/sign anything to support Patrick?

Cherlynnmoody
Cherlynnmoody
12 years ago
Reply to  CM

I say tar and feather her ! And starve her too!

Anna Moss
12 years ago
Reply to  CM

People who do things like this have an organic incapacity to feel empathy. They do not have a conscience. Also, they do not want to be accountable. The clinical label is psychopath and it appears Kisha Curtis is such a one. What she did to Patrick she did over a prolonged period of time. She pleaded “not guilty” which shows that she doesn’t take responsibility for her actions. 

dog lover
dog lover
12 years ago
Reply to  CM

sombody should have put her in a garbage and throw her in the garbadge chute

Sheila
Sheila
12 years ago

If she does realize it, she’s not admitting it. Some people just don’t have a conscience, but I don’t even think that is the case for her. She’s just sick and evil!

ZeroTolerance
ZeroTolerance
12 years ago

Laws need to better address this type of predator. And that’s exactly what she is, offering no value to the community, in fact, a danger to the community.

Alexander James
12 years ago

If I was the judge I would have thrown her in the slammer just for wearing a “Keepin’ it real like a Happy Meal” t-shirt to court. Wow! A real winner here.

danielle
12 years ago

who wheres that to court. also your not gonna be takin serious while wearing that.

dogmammaof2
dogmammaof2
12 years ago

I thought the same thing – disrespect all around, for the courts, for people, for animals.  There’s a serious screw loose there.

guest
guest
12 years ago

she’s trash

Tracyanderson
Tracyanderson
12 years ago

Stupid bitch

Windhorse
Windhorse
12 years ago
Reply to  Tracyanderson

Name calling only adds fuel for hatred. Yes, Karma will take care of it…sooner or later and she may not realize what she’s done until she gets the judgement from her peers. ~^..^~
 

Westiechick2
Westiechick2
12 years ago
Reply to  Windhorse

ok  windhorse i will not call her a NAME but wish her ill  the rest of her sub- human  life i feel so much  hate for her and others who abuse animals, god help me

Tracyanderson
Tracyanderson
12 years ago

Karma will get her

Darlah
Darlah
12 years ago

I just don’t see how she can claim not guilty, unless people were mistaken and this dog did not come from her apartment?? But I don’t think so, it will be interesting to hear what her defence will be can’t see anyone defending these actions

J Conchatre
J Conchatre
12 years ago

The stupid woman has time to apply false eyelashes, but didn’t have time to feed her sweet dog or take him to a shelter if she didn’t want him. Too bad she can’t receive the same punishment as she gave to Patrick.

danielle
12 years ago
Reply to  J Conchatre

she probably had to look good for her job. she wont get clients that way. its ok guys she will be judged later on and also Karma will get her. maybe not now but it will happen. it might not even happen with her it could be someone she cares about. she needs to confess and get it over with. dont pro long it bc shes just gonna make it worse

Forgiveness
Forgiveness
11 years ago
Reply to  danielle

WOW, I don’t get it.
“…Karma will get her. maybe not now but it will happen. it might not even happen with her it could be someone she cares about.”

Really?
Now, I understand she has been accused of doing some pretty terrible things to an animal that depended upon her solely. Innocent until proven guilty, it’s a right for all of us and I will wait until the courts determine her innocence or guilt. In the meantime to be so motivated by hate and anger that you would almost hope that she would “get hers.” Not only her but her family or someone she loves! How does this make you any different than her? From what I have read one of her children (who had no wrong doing) could fall ill or die and that would be karma to Keisha?! Thank God I don’t believe in Karma. I do believe you reap what you sow, but I also believe in grace. How many of you so filled with hate have done something wrong and somebody gave you grace?
Forgiveness is a powerful powerful gift that obviously isn’t passed out enough. To live your lives hating a woman such as this is a waste of your life. Be bigger than yourselves, look beyond your situations and see outside of your life. Someone made a horrible decision. It made me ill to see Patrick. But I will not debase myself to the point of saying that Karma will “get her” and even her family, punishing her. I hope the courts will give a just punishment for her if she is proven guilty and then I hope she can learn and change from this situation. I hope she meets someone who will say “I forgive you,” because it would be a change from all this hate. True change comes from change. Anger to forgiveness, Apathy to love, Hate to compassion, Despair to Hope,

Motomo31
Motomo31
12 years ago

I know it has been said but I’m sure everyone won’t mind if I say it again, STUPID BITCH!!!!!!

Bjfpja
Bjfpja
12 years ago

I don’t feel sorry for her one bit!!!!!!!!!! She should have the book thrown at her!!!!!! And I bet Patrick would still want to be with her, even though he doesn’t know any better. I’m so glad she will never get him back, and I hope & pray she never owns another animal, because she’s a real animal herself!!!!!!! Treat her like what she did to Partick!!!!!!

Rose
Rose
12 years ago
Reply to  Bjfpja

SHE IS NO ANIMAL, ANIMALS ARE INNOCENT AND HAVE WAY BETTER MANNERS THAN HER. I HAVE BETTER WORDS TO DESCRIBE HER. I PRAY AS U DO THAT SHE NEVER OWNS ANOTHER LIVING CREATURE. I HOPE SHE DOES NOT HAVE ANY CHILDREN, WHAT AN EXAMPLE SHE WILL B AS A HAPPY MEAL PARENT.

Mccallister Kim
Mccallister Kim
12 years ago
Reply to  Rose

@ Thauck – That’s if she bothers to feed a human child. I don’t think she’ll have any humans to neglect and torture anyway – I heard she’s actually a man dressed as a woman!

Thauck
Thauck
12 years ago
Reply to  Bjfpja

Bitch must be related to Micheal Vic!!!! Totally agree with the person said she has time to put on false eye lashes and not time or care in the world for sweet Patrick…SELLFISH piece of crap!!!

Kellie
Kellie
12 years ago

@2275c0610221a51805b0339c178f6182:disqus might be asking too much. As close as I can tell she doesn’t care one way or the other. Patrick was an inconvienience and these court dates are just more of the same. You can’t force people to care. I think she should have a LIFETIME ban from owning or caring for any animal!

Guest532
Guest532
12 years ago

Before we hang her maybe we should hear what her story is.

Shelter Diaries
Shelter Diaries
12 years ago
Reply to  Guest532

^ Exactly this. This is still a country of “innocent until proven guilty.” Either the facts of the case will support people’s opinions, or they will all be proven wrong. But far too many people nowadays can’t find any distinction between justice and reckless venting of their rage.

dogmammaof2
dogmammaof2
12 years ago

If there was no evidence to share around this story, there would be some reasoning to what you’re saying.  I see where the justice wheels need to turn and thats fine.. probably won’t be enough to match the crime, but in the meantime, where is the innocence in this situation anyway? 

pamorama
pamorama
12 years ago

Maybe people are tired of hearing these horrible stories of abuse and cruelty everyday, and maybe it feels good to vent a little bit in defense of those who suffered at the hands of a horrible woman like this. Maybe utilizing a good unpleasant name calling alleviates some of the horror that we feel when we see someone like this who has harmed a dependent creature and clearly has no remorse. Maybe many of us are tired of seeing precious tax dollars spent allowing someone who as I understand it is VERY clearly guilty to use the system. She owned the dog, the dog was abused and starved. And now she claims Not Guilty so that she can abuse the system. I can only hope for karma and a good lot of fines and community service and the inability to EVER again own an animal for this bitch.

Angelikayannuzzi
Angelikayannuzzi
12 years ago
Reply to  Guest532

Are you kidding me? What story would that be?

Rivll
Rivll
12 years ago
Reply to  Guest532

I agree.I also she believe needs to be accountable for her actions, she should do time as well as get a heavy dose of long term re-education concerning responsibilities and sensitivity towards animals and probably people as well. Any animal control worker will tell you that homes from where abused animals are found, if they have kids in the majority of cases, the children are abused.

I am not offering excuses and saying that she shouldn’t e held responsible but consider the adult who was tortured and beaten as a child and even thrown into a dumpster…she grows up without the neccessary skills to care for others,in such a case we try to help her find her humanity,if it is

possible.,

Patty
Patty
12 years ago
Reply to  Guest532

@Guest532 There isn’t a story anywhere in the world that would explain what she did to poor Patrick!

Patty
Patty
12 years ago
Reply to  Guest532

@Guest532 There isn’t a story anywhere in the world that would explain what she did to poor Patrick!

dogmammaof2
dogmammaof2
12 years ago
Reply to  Guest532

Patrick is the evidence of her story.  End of story.  

Westiechick2
Westiechick2
12 years ago
Reply to  Guest532

nobody gives a dam what her story is lets just give her what she deserves,or hmm… if i only had 30 min in a room with no doors believe me justies will be done for this sweet little dog who sufferd so much so guest 532 what ever her story is does not explain anything to me

Iluvdogs
Iluvdogs
12 years ago

Nasty woman. I hope she was intimidated by the wonderful supporters in green at the courthouse. I hope they stared her down and made her VERY uncomfortable. It’s that ghetto mentality at play. These are the same types who organize dog fighting. They think animals are expendable. More people should get involved against animal abuse! It’s horrible and needs to stop!

Rivll
Rivll
12 years ago
Reply to  Iluvdogs

While I agree with your sentiments, I take exception to your referring to it as ghetto mentality.I am from working class and “trailer park” white culture and grew up witnessing the same mentality. For some reason,a lot of poor folks missed out on the idea that animals are not expendable.

Whatever the reasons, I offer no excuses for this evil tx of animals, by the same token, like I might want to try to rehabilitate a dog who mauled me because he was not trained or treated properly, I would like to give the same chance likewise to a human.

I still say she should get time and be held accountable and should never have the privelege of owning an animal.

I am simply trying to give some perspective here. It is too easy to hate.

Mccallister Kim
Mccallister Kim
12 years ago
Reply to  Iluvdogs

Did she really have the nerve to walk in that courtroom wearing a happy meal t-shirt!!! Also want to comment on Rivll’s comment – are you saying being poor is an excuse for animal abuse – If you’re poor, you’re too stupid to know the difference between right and wrong??? Humans are also not “trained” to torture and animal – it is their CHOICE!

Westiechick2
Westiechick2
12 years ago
Reply to  Iluvdogs

i 100% agree

Michael Haslam
12 years ago

If looks could kill, let justice take it’s course though or else we’d be just as guilty as the people who are prejudiced against dogs and judge them without a fair trial.

Marykayd6
Marykayd6
12 years ago

Patrick is a lucky little guy. If it was up to me, I would starve that rotten BITCH but, I would make sure she didn’t survive!! I hate people who abuse children and animals. If this was the western days that BITCH wouldn’t be walking this wonderful green earth!!!

Cjustpeachie
Cjustpeachie
12 years ago

In the beginning I read that she couldn’t afford to feed him….however she can afford big dangling silver earrings! And she looks pretty well fed herself!! When you can’t feed a dog you find him a good home that CAN feed him ….not starve him and put him in a plastic garbage bag and dump him down a shute 21 stories high!! Then she disrespects the court by showing up in a tee shirt with a happy meal on it!! I’d find her in contempt of court along with all her other charges!! She is a monster!!

Mikey Berrier
Mikey Berrier
12 years ago
Reply to  Cjustpeachie

I like your comment more that most I’ve read, Why do you have a dog if U can’t feed it ??? Load of Crap. Personally I think she has issues with life as a human…

pamorama
pamorama
12 years ago
Reply to  Cjustpeachie

And she also has a WEAVE!?!? There is simply no excuse for not feeding a dog. At the very least call a rescue group. This animal suffered horribly and she walks into court with chandeliers in her ears and a weave. Deplorable human being. 

Pstanden
Pstanden
12 years ago

Type your comment here. This woman should be kept off the street. She is dangerous to society. If she tortured this poor animal, what about children? It starts with the animals. Also, out Patrick shoulod not go tothePopcorn Zoo. He needs a home with all the love.

John Sotomayor
12 years ago

If this woman is guilty, then she clearly deserves punishment. Justice will be served. In the meantime, most of the people here are acting completely terrible. There is a difference between justice and anger. All human beings deserve love and compassion, even the worst people; in fact, they need love more than anyone else. She should be punished if she’s guilty, but shame on all of you for getting so hateful. Rejoice in justice when it is given to her. But do not carry ill will towards anyone.

Cajunlady
Cajunlady
12 years ago

As a veteran animal rescuer, I’ve come to the conclusion that those who harm innocent animals are sub-human and soul-less and that we who cherish the innocents need legislation that stops these sub-humans from animal ownership. ….. If this Kisha Curtis is, indeed, the abuser of Patrick and if there is any justice in NJ courts, she will receive jail time, a huge fine, tons of community service at Animal Control,
psychological counseling AND be barred from owning another animal for life. ….. If she doesn’t get all this, then NJ needs to ramp up it’s legislation to protect innocent animals from such stupid, soul-less sub-humans.

Mikey Berrier
Mikey Berrier
12 years ago

She has personal issues in life, & surely needs to repent & pay for her crime…. 

Melminski
Melminski
12 years ago

I can’t believe I share the same air with people like this. Makes me so sick to my stomach thinking about what Patrick had gone through. I pray that the judge makes the right decision and she pays dearly for the torture that Patrick had to live with.

Anonymous
Anonymous
12 years ago

It’s not so much the abusive person as it is the judges who let the abuser off with a tap on the wrist. We need laws to have teeth. We need the mentality to change behind the belief that dogs are less than humans and have no ability to feel, or think beyond instinct.
I live on the Big Island of Hawaii and I cannot believe how dogs are treated here. Hawaii is not dog friendly. There are big signs that forbid dogs in the parks and on the beaches. There are no pet friendly hotels or motels. But worst of all is that the majority of dog owners keep their dogs tied or in small kennels, never letting them out to exercise.

Imzeldap
Imzeldap
12 years ago

This monster wore a Happy Meal Tshirt to court when she starved Patrick to nearly 1 hr from death.  Does anyone else find that disgustingly ironic and such an ignorant arrogant slam at what she is charged with?  Patrick never had a meal at all when he was in her “care.”  I pray that karma will take care of this monster and that she gets what’s coming to her.  She should serve as THE example to millions around the country that we will no longer tolerate extreme cruelty to our innocent loving animals.  We are all God’s creatures.

Lalalaconcha
Lalalaconcha
12 years ago

FYI, serial killers start with animals.

Carol
Carol
12 years ago

 I believe in karma, for sure, dammit, not soon enough, for some people.  This dumbass needs x-tra large doses of karma!  Sure would like to see her go down a garbage chute.  Would especially like to put her down there, personally.  Oh well………

Jamie
Jamie
12 years ago

LOVE the picture of the ladies in the green shirts looking at her as she walks out.. That picture says a thousand words!!!!!!

DFPBook
DFPBook
12 years ago

this is one piece of human garbage,i hope the judge throws the book at her,let her get 3 years in jail and a hefty fine to boot.she is nothing more than a scum bag bitch.pure GHETTO

DFPBook
DFPBook
12 years ago

this is one piece of human garbage,i hope the judge throws the book at her,let her get 3 years in jail and a hefty fine to boot.she is nothing more than a scum bag bitch.pure GHETTO

Honeybadgerit
Honeybadgerit
12 years ago

The look on the faces of Patrick’s supporters says everything.  If Curtis has children, I hope child services is checking on them.  Someone capable of treating a puppy that way cannot be trusted where empathy, judgment and basic care is needed for any dependent creature.

StrayMom
StrayMom
12 years ago

It is beyond comprehension that we, as species think that only our lives matter(Kashia and your coward
POS like you, Mother) think that other living, breathing, feel beings (PATRICK) are without consquence
and are here for our whatever pleasure, if any…no matter the cost to them…

To inflict this horrific cruelty on a defenseless puppy or for anyone to condone such acts (like your Mama
who like you is in DENIAL) is to abuse one of the CARDINAL tenets of a CIVILIZED SOCIETY…Oh! I get
it! you two (2) are SAVAGES  from the jungle…

You get outraged at the slighest harm brought on to a child (another defenseless being) but abuse, starve,
or tortue and nearly KILL an innocent animall and you brush it off as OH WELL! NOT GUILTY!! I had to leave town and thought that someone would just take him”…PATHETIC! explain to me you two SAVAGES/SICK
PEOPLE how the treating of a child is any different than treatment of an innocent animal who has no
voice?

Kashia, you are a POS SCUMBAG/LOW-LIFE and you have the GULL TO PLEAD NOT GUILTY! If you did
 want this poor sweet dog, then you should have contacted local rescue or taken him to a nearby shelter
whereby at least they would have fed him..No normal Human would do what you did to that poor dog and
have the BALLS to plead NOT GUILTY! There is a God watching and I hope and pray you get what you
 deserve max sentence at least 5-10 yrs. in jail with no food or water for days on in and let the inmates
have a free for all with you….HA HA

To think how much that poor baby suffered (Patrick) waiting day after day for food and water…you did
feed that baby at all! did you? but from the looks at your fat ass body…you ATE…DIDN’T YOU??

 I pray to God that you get what you deserve….years of jail time and little or no food or water like
you did to poor Patrick!
STRAYMOM
Animal Lover

Tina Ferguson-Davis
12 years ago

She is what hangs onto the under-belly of gutter-sludge. I have called her this before and will continue to call her this, because to me, she is lower than the lowest life form this planet has. I believe there is a special room in hell for life forms such as herself. Although, I doubt even Satan would want her.

Lock her up, throw away the key and forget about her for however long it takes for her body to be in the same condition as Patricks; then dump her down a garbage shute 23 stories high. Oh wait, we are not allowed to do that to someone in jail because of the laws that protect gutter-sludge. Perhaps it would be better to just leave her alone in a room with all of us who have posted here. We’ll take good care of her!!

I just cannot fathom the deeps of deprevity that it requires to sink so low as to not have helped this poor baby. She is not the only one that should be punished. What about all of those other tenants that just walked by day after day, night after night and did nothing???? I literally am sick to my stomache and want to vomit at the thought of what Patrick endured with no one coming to his aid until it was nearly too late.

Isn’t it a pity that we civilized humans can’t be as forgiving as our canine counterparts?? You know Patrick would not hesitate to show her love, so for those of us who believe in the power of prayer, maybe we should add her/them to our daily/nightly prayers. I for one have prayed for her, but not as much as I have prayed for Patrick to heal and to find his forever home.
  

Gailstormnot
Gailstormnot
12 years ago

I just brushed my dogs teeth and hair, gave her treats, and feel like an absolute heel.  Can’t imagine what kind of soul this woman has that would allow her to do such a thing.

guest
guest
12 years ago

I will pray for her…….I pray that she goes hungry, I pray that she suffers just like Patrick did and I pray that nobody will help her.

Debbie Deal McGee
12 years ago

What I would like to say is so un-Christian all I can say is I hope that God will give this cold monster exactly what she has coming to her. There is NOTHING an animal can do to warrant this horrific treatment. This woman has no heart. God forgive her.

Linda Palma
Linda Palma
12 years ago

She will get hers!! I believe in Karma and one day her Karma will be very bad!!!
What ye puts out comes back to thee!!

Lovemutts
Lovemutts
12 years ago

Ignorant pig. Throw the book at her. Let her starve, tied to a tree. Oh lord she should fry!

Anonymous
Anonymous
11 years ago

Classy outfit

dmcarefuldriver
dmcarefuldriver
11 years ago

Death penalty. Seriously. If you throw starve your child and then throw him down a trash chute, that’s what you would get. I hope she gets a bullet put in her head. But not before make her sit in a trash chute and starve.

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