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A Mineola man has been charged for allegedly killing two puppies just days after obtaining them and nearly killing a third, and his wife has been charged for allowing the abuse to take place.
Ellie Knoller, 29, was charged with three counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and three counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals, said Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas and the Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
His wife, Jessica Kuncman, also known as Jessica Knoller, 30, was charged with overdriving, torturing and injuring animals, the DA's Office said.
Singas said that on Feb. 8 the couple allegedly adopted a 10-12-week-old male Shepherd mix named Tucker from a local pet adoption agency, and by Feb. 17, the puppy was dead of a kidney rupture.
According to the DA's Office, Ellie Knoller allegedly inflicted blunt force trauma to the dog that resulted in the kidney rupture, causing the dog to suffer from extensive internal bleeding and die.
The couple then purchased another dog on Feb. 18, this time a 10-12-week-old male brown Goldendoodle puppy named Cooper, from a breeder in Pennsylvania. On Feb. 20, Ellie Knoller allegedly brought the puppy into Garden City Veterinary Care in cardiac and respiratory arrest, the DA's Office said.
By the time a veterinarian examined Cooper he had already died. The dog’s cause of death was determined to be from a lacerated liver. Investigators believe that Ellie Knoller inflicted blunt force trauma on the dog that resulted in the lacerated liver, causing extensive and ultimately fatal internal bleeding.
“Three healthy puppies suffered horrific injuries while they were under the care and control of these defendants,” Singas said. “Sadly, these animals can’t testify about the unconscionable suffering that they endured, but their blunt force and neck trauma injuries tell a gruesome story, and we are committed to seeking justice on their behalf.”
The incidents came to light following an investigation into the defendants after they allegedly brought a lethargic and lifeless 11-week-old female brown Goldendoodle puppy named Bella to Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center of Westbury on Feb. 27, the DA's Office said.
Upon examination, the veterinarians found Bella to have multiple fractured ribs, bruising on her lungs, bleeding behind her eyes and a broken leg. Bella required surgery, including the insertion of a metal rod, to repair her leg and has a steel plate to hold the bones in place while they heal, they said.
It is alleged that Ellie Knoller inflicted blunt force trauma on the dog that resulted in her injuries, Singas said.
Bella continues to recover from her other injuries and has since been seized pursuant to a search warrant and is now in the care of the Nassau County SPCA.
The couple allegedly received Bella after complaining to the breeder that Cooper had unexpectedly died, and she is from the same litter as Cooper.
The indictment alleges Jessica Kuncman did not take Bella for veterinary care for approximately 15 hours after the puppy appeared to be in pain, causing unjustifiable suffering.
Ellie Knoller was released on his own recognizance, surrendered his passport and is due back in court June 3. If convicted of the top count, he faces a maximum of two years in jail. Jessica Kuncman was released on her own recognizance, surrendered her passport and is due back in court June 3. If convicted, she faces a maximum of one year in jail.
Due to the cost of Bella’s medical care, the NCSPCA is seeking assistance from the public. Please visit http://luckytobealive.ncspca.us.
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