Former Correction Officer Cleared of Animal Cruelty Charges After Evidence Contradicts Initial Accusations

The Queens County Supreme Court dismissed all felony animal-cruelty charges against Brandon Pearce, a former New York City Department of Correction officer, related to the 2022 death of his ex-girlfriend's Maltese dog, Princess. The dismissal followed the presentation of evidence that contradicted the initial accusations, including witness statements, veterinary records, and an expert affidavit. The case, which began in February 2022, saw Mr. Pearce charged after Princess was reportedly injured, but new information led to the withdrawal of the most serious allegations.

Key evidence included a witness statement from Omar Velasquez, who claimed the complainant admitted that surveillance footage showed someone else was responsible for the dog's injuries. This statement directly challenged the basis of the prosecution's case. Furthermore, veterinary records from V.E.T.S. New Hyde Park initially noted no visible external wounds on Princess. However, a subsequent entry referencing trauma was added after detectives' follow-up, raising significant questions about the consistency and reliability of the medical findings. The veterinary clinic's records can be reviewed at https://www.vetsnewhydepark.com/records.

An affidavit from surveillance expert John Layne confirmed that building cameras were operational and recorded continuously during the relevant period. Despite this, four and a half hours of footage were missing without any explanation, casting further doubt on the investigation's integrity. The expert's analysis, detailed in court documents, highlighted this critical gap in evidence. By June 2025, Mr. Pearce pleaded to a single misdemeanor for failing to seek veterinary care promptly, without admitting to causing any harm to the animal. This plea agreement reflected the weakened state of the original charges.

Mr. Pearce expressed relief at the dismissal of the cruelty charges, stating, 'I have always maintained I did nothing to harm an animal. The dismissal of the cruelty charges allows me to move forward and rebuild my life.' The case, which initially drew significant media attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and Mr. Pearce's former position, concluded with a markedly different outcome from the original claims. The implications of this case extend beyond the individual, highlighting the importance of thorough evidence review in criminal proceedings. Inconsistent documentation, such as the veterinary records, and unexplained evidence gaps, like the missing surveillance footage, can fundamentally alter legal outcomes. For more information on animal cruelty laws and legal processes, refer to https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/11jd/queens/criminal.shtml. This outcome underscores the necessity for rigorous investigative standards to prevent wrongful accusations and ensure justice is served based on verifiable facts rather than initial allegations.