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On Friday, Jan. 10, a white male Boxer mix was found in an open fenced yard on Princeton Street in Valley Stream. The dog was found to be extremely emaciated with several burn marks on the top of its head, Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said.
The person who found the dog – now named Chester – brought the animal to Central Veterinary Associates in Valley Stream, which referred the case to the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter.
Following an examination, veterinarians at the shelter determined the dog was not suffering from any medical conditions that would cause weight loss, and that the burns on the top of its head were likely from cigarettes.
According to the SPCA, the area in which the dog was found is near the Queens County line and several main thoroughfares, such as Cross Island Parkway, Merrick Road and Sunrise Parkway, which indicate the dog may have been abandoned by a passing commuter.
In response, the Nassau County SPCA has offered a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of whoever abandoned and abused the dog.
“This innocent animal suffered needlessly, and we need to get justice for Chester,” Singas said. “I’m grateful to the Nassau County SPCA for offering this $5,000 reward to help us find and prosecute whoever starved and burned this poor dog.”
Chester is now being temporarily cared for by foster owners.
Nassau County SPCA President Gary Rogers said, “Burning an animal with cigarettes and starving it to the point of emaciation is a clear sign of neglect and abuse. I am grateful to the Nassau County DA and committed to finding whoever did this to Chester.”
Anyone with information regarding Chester or his owner has been asked to contact the Nassau County DA’s tip line by calling (516) 571-7755 and referencing case number ACU 5-20. The SPCA’s Animal Abuse Hotline is (516) 843-7722.
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