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

The Queens County Supreme Court has dismissed all 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 named Princess. The dismissal came after witness statements, veterinary records, and an expert affidavit presented evidence that contradicted the initial accusations against Mr. Pearce. Key to the case was a witness statement from Omar Velasquez, who claimed the complainant admitted that surveillance footage showed someone else was responsible for the dog's injuries.

Veterinary records from V.E.T.S. New Hyde Park initially noted no visible external wounds on Princess, but a subsequent entry referencing trauma was added after detectives' follow-up, raising questions about the consistency of the medical findings. The case, which began in February 2022, saw Mr. Pearce charged with felony animal cruelty after Princess was reportedly injured. However, as new evidence emerged, including inconsistencies in veterinary documentation, the charges were withdrawn. Surveillance expert John Layne's affidavit confirmed that building cameras were operational and recorded continuously, yet four and a half hours of footage were missing without explanation, further undermining the prosecution's case.

By June 2025, Mr. Pearce pleaded to a single misdemeanor for failing to seek veterinary care promptly, without admitting to causing harm. The case, which initially drew significant media attention, concluded with a markedly different outcome from the original allegations. Mr. Pearce expressed relief at the dismissal, 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 implications of this case highlight the importance of thorough evidence review in criminal proceedings, particularly when initial accusations may not align with subsequent findings. The dismissal serves as a reminder of how witness testimony, expert analysis, and documentary evidence can fundamentally alter legal outcomes, ensuring that charges are supported by consistent and reliable information.