Brooklyn Woman Accused Of Killing Pet Hamster

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- A Brooklyn teenager, who had been on the lam for months, was arrested Tuesday for allegedly killing her family's pet hamster last summer.

Authorities said Monique Smith, 19, killed the hamster with her hands and then threw it into the street during a dispute with the owner of the animal on June 7.

Joe Pentangelo, Assistant Director of the ASPCA's Humane Law Enforcement division, said officials unsuccessfully looked for Smith at her home and at places she frequented.

"We believe that she knew that APSCA agents wanted to speak with her and interact with her as a result of this but she was not cooperative," Pentangelo said.

The Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital determined the hamster suffered blunt force trauma, liver damage and a hemorrhage.

"Even though the hamster is much smaller than other household pets the hamster was precious to the children who viewed the hamster as their pet," Pentangelo told 1010 WINS. "The ASPCA is ready to find justice for victims of animal cruelty."

Smith has been charged with cruelty to animals and endangering the welfare of a child.

She faces up to two years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.

"We don't rest in cases like this," Pentangelo said. "We are dedicated to finding justice for victims of animal cruelty."