‘Reckless’: Harlem puppy killer sentenced for arson and animal cruelty
NEW YORK (PIX11) – A Harlem puppy killer has been sentenced for arson and aggravated cruelty to animals, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced on Thursday.
In June 2022, 55-year-old Wattie Folk got into a physical fight with a friend at a Harlem apartment. While the friend went to call the police, Folk started a fire in the bedroom.
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An adult pitbull and six of her puppies, only 5 months old at the time, were left inside the apartment as the fire burned, officials said.
"Wattie Folk is facing accountability for intentionally setting his friend's apartment on fire. His reckless actions endangered tenants, destroyed property, killed two puppies, and severely injured five dogs," said Bragg. "Those who endanger the lives of people and animals in their homes will be held accountable."
The surviving dogs were treated for severe dehydration, soot coverage, and carbon monoxide exposure at the ASPCA for several weeks, according to officials.
Folk was sentenced to three to six years in state prison. He must register on the New York City animal cruelty registry and will be banned from owning animals for 10 years, according to court documents.
The victim's apartment and belongings were destroyed in the fire, officials said.
Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here .
