Chihuahua Pushed Down Stairs, Killed At Hands Of West Islip 21-Year-Old, Police Say

A 21-year-old Long Island man is facing animal cruelty charges after allegedly killing a dog in his home.

A 21-year-old West Islip man is accused of killing a chihuahua mix dog by pushing it down a flight of stairs in July 2022.
Photo Credit: *Canva/Przemyslaw*

07/13/2023 12:30 p.m.

Peter Minichello, of West Islip, was arrested Wednesday, July 12, more than a year after the alleged incident occurred.

According to Suffolk County Police, he was at his home on Edgewood Road on July 6, 2022, when he pushed the 5-year-old chihuahua mix down a flight of stairs.

The dog, which belonged to a family member, died from its injuries.

An investigation by the Suffolk County DA’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST) determined that Minichello’s actions directly contributed to the dog’s death, according to police.

He is charged with the following crimes, both felonies:

Aggravated cruelty to animals
Criminal mischief

He was released with an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on Tuesday, Aug. 1.

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