LANCASTER, Pa. — A Lancaster woman pleaded no contest this week to charges of aggravated cruelty to animals and simple assault for her attack on a neighbor, during which she killed the victim's dog.
Loyna Dejesus-Osorio, 53, of the 100 block of Dorwart Street, is accused of attacking the woman and killing her 5-month-old Chihuahua puppy on Sept. 25, 2022, according to the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office.
A no contest plea means the defendant does not admit their guilt, but accepts the truthfulness of the facts alleged.
Dejesus-Osorio will be sentenced at a later date.
According to testimony at a preliminary hearing, Dejesus-Osorio attacked the victim as she was walking her puppy, Tinkerbell, down Campbell Avenue behind her home. The victim said Dejesus-Osorio grabbed her by the hair, pulled her to the ground, and dragged her across a parking lot, continuing to attack and verbally abuse her until she was pulled off the victim by a bystander.
During the attack, Dejesus-Osorio stepped on the puppy's neck, resulting in a fatal injury. The dog was taken to an emergency veterinarian for treatment, but was dead by the time it arrived.
A medical report showed the dog suffered a fractured orbital bone, an air bubble within the skull, a collapsed throat, and at least two fractured metatarsal bones, according to prosecutors.
While she attacked the victim, Dejesus-Osorio allegedly shouted "Don't come through this (expletive) territory," and "you were talking (expletive), that's what you get."
Dejesus-Osorio will be sentenced at a later date at a hearing before Lancaster County Judge Jeffrey Wright.
Assistant District Attorney Jaimes Spring is prosecuting the case.
Lancaster City Bureau of Police Officer Jason Windlebleck filed charges.
