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Animal Cruelty

Reward Offered After Bulldog's Emaciated Body Found Abandoned In Long Island Woods Reward Offered After Bulldog's Emaciated Body Found Abandoned In Long Island Woods
Reward Offered After Bulldog's Emaciated Body Found Abandoned In Long Island Woods Police are hoping a cash reward will lead to an arrest after a deceased dog was found abandoned in a wooded area of Long Island. The disturbing discovery was made in Miller Place, along Miller Place-Yaphank Road north of Whiskey Road, on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. A passerby found a backpack containing the severely emaciated remains of a deceased French or English bulldog, the Suffolk County SPCA said. The animal was estimated to be between six months and one year old. The animal protection organization initially offered a $3,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. That has since b…
8 Dogs, 4 Cats Rescued From Convicted Abusers In Suffolk County Crackdown 8 Dogs, 4 Cats Rescued From Convicted Abusers In Suffolk County Crackdown
8 Dogs, 4 Cats Rescued From Convicted Abusers In Suffolk County Crackdown More than a dozen animals were rescued from convicted abusers during Suffolk County’s “Operation Bloodhound,” Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. The operation, led by the District Attorney’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST) in partnership with the Suffolk County Police Department, uncovered shocking violations of court orders by previously convicted animal abusers. Among the cases, a Calverton woman was found in possession of eight dogs despite a court order barring her from owning animals while her cruelty case is…
Severely Injured Kangal Shepherd Among 3 Neglected Puppies Rescued From Long Island Home: DA Severely Injured Kangal Shepherd Among 3 Neglected Puppies Rescued From Long Island Home: DA
Severely Injured Kangal Shepherd Among 3 Neglected Puppies Rescued From Long Island Home: DA For the second time in a month, a Long Island man is charged with animal cruelty after investigators rescued three allegedly neglected Kangal Shepherd puppies. Munim Raghid, 26, of Ronkonkoma, was arrested Thursday, Jan. 2, following an investigation by members of the Suffolk County DA’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST). The probe began when a good Samaritan found an injured puppy on a roadway on New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31. The puppy, unable to walk, was rushed to Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists, where it was diagnosed with severe leg and pelvis fracture…
Man Tortures Dog With Flame, Violates Protection Order: Nassau County Police Man Tortures Dog With Flame, Violates Protection Order: Nassau County Police
Man Tortures Dog With Flame, Violates Protection Order: Nassau County Police A Wyandanch man is accused of torturing a dog with a flame and violating an order of protection during a domestic incident in South Farmingdale, police announced on Sunday, Dec. 29. Officers responded to a domestic disturbance at a South Farmingdale residence on Friday, Dec. 27, where a 53-year-old woman reported arguing with her son, who had left the home, detectives said. Police later located Rorenise Toafili, 30, of 19 Washington Avenue, and found him in possession of a white rock-like substance believed to be crack cocaine, authorities said. Further investigation revealed Toafili had b…
Dogs On Cocaine Among Horrors Found At Animal Abuser's Long Island Home, Police Say Dogs On Cocaine Among Horrors Found At Animal Abuser's Long Island Home, Police Say
Dogs On Cocaine Among Horrors Found At Animal Abuser's Long Island Home, Police Say A Long Island man faces multiple animal cruelty charges after authorities found nearly a dozen dogs living in deplorable conditions, including two that ingested drugs. Christopher DiGiovanna, age 42, was arrested Saturday, Nov. 23, after detectives from the Suffolk County SPCA uncovered 11 dogs living in squalid and dangerous conditions inside his Centereach home, police said. Following a complaint about the animals’ living conditions, Suffolk County Police and Town of Brookhaven Animal Control and Code Enforcement executed a search warrant. Inside, they found numerous dogs underweight, fil…
Long Island Man Will Never Own Animal After Confessing He Beat Chihuahua To Death Long Island Man Will Never Own Animal After Confessing He Beat Chihuahua To Death
Long Island Man Will Never Own Animal After Confessing He Beat Chihuahua To Death A 22-year-old Long Island man will never be allowed to own an animal after confessing that he beat a dog to death. Peter Minichello, of West Islip, was sentenced to four months in jail followed by five years of probation in Suffolk County Court on Monday, Aug. 19. It came months after he pleaded guilty to aggravated animal cruelty charges for beating his aunt’s 5-year-old chihuahua-mix, named “Pup-Pup,” in July 2022. Earlier Report: 21-Year-Old Beats Chihuahua To Death At Long Island Home While Mom's At Work, DA Says According to prosecutors, Minichello was left home with the dog w…
Mutilated Dog 'Niva' Euthanized After Long Island Man's Abuse, DA Says Mutilated Dog 'Niva' Euthanized After Long Island Man's Abuse, DA Says
Mutilated Dog 'Niva' Euthanized After Long Island Man's Abuse, DA Says A Long Island man is accused of mutilating his dog and then foregoing veterinary care for weeks, ultimately leading to the animal’s death. David Iglesias, age 34, of Bellport, was arraigned on animal cruelty and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Friday, July 12, in connection with the death of his female canine, Niva. According to the Suffolk County DA’s office, Niva was attacked by Iglesias’ other dog in November 2022, leaving her severely injured. Instead of seeking medical care, prosecutors said Iglesias brought Niva down to his basement, cut her injured ears off, and then use…
Man Chokes Long Island Woman While Holding Infant Son, Makes Over 1K Threatening Calls: DA Man Chokes Long Island Woman While Holding Infant Son, Makes Over 1K Threatening Calls: DA
Man Chokes Long Island Woman While Holding Infant Son, Makes Over 1K Threatening Calls: DA An accused rapist and animal abuser from upstate New York is now charged with choking the Long Island mother of his infant son while holding the child. Suffolk County prosecutors slapped Saratoga County resident Preston Wido, age 37, of Clifton Park, with multiple felony and misdemeanor domestic violence charges on Wednesday, April 24. According to investigators, Wido left the victim two voicemails threatening to kill her on Monday, March 11. Police arrested him a week later on aggravated harassment charges and a full stay away order was issued on behalf of the victim. Related Report:&nb…
Over 40 Animals Kept In 'Noxious' Conditions At Long Island Home, Woman Charged: SPCA Over 40 Animals Kept In 'Noxious' Conditions At Long Island Home, Woman Charged: SPCA
Over 40 Animals Kept In 'Noxious' Conditions At Long Island Home, Woman Charged: SPCA A Long Island woman was accused of animal cruelty after she was found to be keeping dozens of animals in her house in unlivable conditions. Seventy-nine-year-old Ronkonkoma woman Linda Hart was arrested at her home on Tuesday, April 2, according to the Suffolk County Police SPCA. Members of the SPCA and Suffolk County Police searched Hart’s home at about noon that day after receiving a complaint, only to discover that she was keeping 49 animals inside the residence. All of the dogs were kept in cages throughout the home, and many of the animals removed from the scene were covered in uri…
17-Year-Old Nabbed For 'Brutal,' 'Sadistic,' 'Heinous' Beating Of Cat On Long Island 17-Year-Old Nabbed For 'Brutal,' 'Sadistic,' 'Heinous' Beating Of Cat On Long Island
17-Year-Old Nabbed For 'Brutal,' 'Sadistic,' 'Heinous' Beating Of Cat On Long Island A former high school student has been arrested for animal cruelty after police saw a video of him beating a cat with a metal bar. The 17-year-old boy, who was a student at Brentwood High School during the alleged crime, was arrested on Sunday, March 3. According to the Suffolk County SPCA, the original incident occurred in September 2023, after someone reported a video the suspected student and his friends posted on social media. In the video, the boy can be seen on the grounds of Brentwood High School, holding a metal bar with a black cat nearby. He then beat the cat with the bar for…
Long Island Man Busted With More Than 100 Animals Inside Home Long Island Man Busted With More Than 100 Animals Inside Home
Long Island Man Busted With More Than 100 Animals Inside Home A Long Island man was charged with illegal possession of endangered wildlife after officials uncovered more than 100 animals, many endangered, inside his home. The unnamed North Bellmore resident's home was raided on Tuesday, Jan. 23 by officials from the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Responding officers discovered the resident illegally possessed several regulated species including an endangered tiger salamander, two monitor lizards (venomous reptiles), and protected diamondback terrapin.  The re…
'Horrific': Man Kills Dogs, Other Animals At Long Island Illegal 'Slaughterhouse,' DA Says 'Horrific': Man Kills Dogs, Other Animals At Long Island Illegal 'Slaughterhouse,' DA Says
'Horrific': Man Kills Dogs, Other Animals At Long Island Illegal 'Slaughterhouse,' DA Says A 76-year-old man is facing animal cruelty charges after allegedly shooting two dogs to death and neglecting several farm animals at his Long Island home. Carlos Lauro, of Riverhead, was arraigned on multiple charges at the Riverhead Town Justice Court on Thursday, Jan. 11. It came one day after the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office was alerted about a 1-year-old German Shepherd that had arrived at a Westbury veterinary hospital with a gunshot wound to its head. The injury had left the dog paralyzed and it was ultimately euthanized. A witness told investigators that the dog, named…
Dog Daycare Employee Caught Smashing, Swinging Pups While At Long Island Job: Police Dog Daycare Employee Caught Smashing, Swinging Pups While At Long Island Job: Police
Dog Daycare Employee Caught Smashing, Swinging Pups While At Long Island Job: Police A Long Island man working at a doggy daycare was arrested after police said he abused the pups by smashing their faces into fences and more. Andrew Laurendi, age 21 of Massapequa, was taken into custody on Sunday, Dec. 10 shortly after being fired from his job at Pawllywood, a dog boarding, daycare, and grooming facility located at 30 East Chestnut Street for the alleged abuse.  According to Nassau County Police, Laurendi was caught on video using leashes, attached to the dogs’ necks, to swing the animals above his head. He then allegedly let go of the leash, letting the dog f…
Tips Sought After Sheep Found Tied To Tree In Wooded Area On Long Island Tips Sought After Sheep Found Tied To Tree In Wooded Area On Long Island
Tips Sought After Sheep Found Tied To Tree In Wooded Area On Long Island Police are investigating after a sheep was found tied to a tree behind a vacant home on Long Island. A land surveyor spotted the animal shortly after noon on Thursday, Dec. 7, in a wooded area in East Moriches, along Evergreen Avenue. Suffolk County Police said the sheep’s feet had been tied together. In photos shared by the department, two officers were seen assisting a veterinarian in providing emergency care to the animal. The sheep was transported to a local animal sanctuary for further treatment. Authorities did not comment on the animal’s condition or speculate on how long it may h…
Beheaded Chicken, Goat Head Found At Long Island Cemeteries; Reward Offered For Answers Beheaded Chicken, Goat Head Found At Long Island Cemeteries; Reward Offered For Answers
Beheaded Chicken, Goat Head Found At Long Island Cemeteries; Reward Offered For Answers Authorities are investigating after several dead, mutilated animals were discovered at two Long Island cemeteries. The first incident was reported on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at Middle Island’s Union Cemetery, located on Middle Country Road. A man was walking his dog near the cemetery’s entrance when he found a bag containing a beheaded chicken and chunks of coconut, according to the Suffolk County SPCA. Detectives responded to the cemetery and found a variety of fruits, vegetables, and candles, along with the skeletal remains of a goat head. Their theory is that the items were part of an anima…
Living In 'Squalor': Long Island Woman Nabbed For Housing 14 Cats, Dogs, Police Say Living In 'Squalor': Long Island Woman Nabbed For Housing 14 Cats, Dogs, Police Say
Living In 'Squalor': Long Island Woman Nabbed For Housing 14 Cats, Dogs, Police Say A Long Island woman who allegedly allowed her dozens of animals to live in a feces- and mold-infested home has been arrested, police said. Laura Nordstrom, age 57 of Bayport, was arrested on Monday, Nov. 6, according to the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). She faces multiple charges after officers claim she failed to provide a habitable home for her 14 cats and two dogs. In a statement, the SPCA described the situation as living in "squalor."  During a search warrant conducted by the SPCA and Suffolk County Police, the animals were removed from…
Long Island Man Starves Dog To Death, Attempts To Adopt Another: DA Long Island Man Starves Dog To Death, Attempts To Adopt Another: DA
Long Island Man Starves Dog To Death, Attempts To Adopt Another: DA A Long Island man was indicted after he allegedly starved a dog to death, authorities announced. On Thursday, Oct. 26, 70-year-old Kevin Barnett was arraigned on charges including torturing the dog, a mixed breed named Jessica, according to the Nassau County District Attorney. Barnett brought Jessica to the West Hempstead Animal Hospital on Saturday, July 1 asking for the dog to be cremated. The DA’s Office reported that the pup was wrapped in a filthy blanket with a “foul odor.” An evaluation by the vet staff deemed that Jessica had been severely malnourished; her ribs were very clear…
Animal Cruelty: Dog Dies After Being Left In Crate Nearly Week By Long Island Woman, Police Say Animal Cruelty: Dog Dies After Being Left In Crate Nearly Week By Long Island Woman, Police Say
Animal Cruelty: Dog Dies After Being Left In Crate Nearly Week By Long Island Woman, Police Say A Long Island woman is facing animal cruelty charges after her dog died several days after it was reportedly abandoned. Kiswanda Franklin, age 33, of Huntington Station, was arrested Wednesday, Sept. 13, according to Suffolk County Police. Investigators said Franklin left her three-pound Yorkshire Terrier-Maltese mix in a crate inside her East Pulaski Road apartment for six days beginning on Friday, July 14.  The animal did not have adequate ventilation, police said. When Franklin returned, the dog was dead. Neighbors later called 911 reporting a dead dog covered in feces that w…
Duo Nabbed For Neglecting 19 Puppies In Car On Long Island, Police Say Duo Nabbed For Neglecting 19 Puppies In Car On Long Island, Police Say
Duo Nabbed For Neglecting 19 Puppies In Car On Long Island, Police Say Two men were caught on Long Island with over a dozen puppies shoved into just two crates, along with guns and a 2-year-old, police said. On Friday, Sept. 1 at approximately 7:30 p.m., Suffolk County Police saw the car, a 2022 Jeep Compass, in the parking lot of 301 Merritt Avenue in Wyandanch. Inside were 19 pit bull puppies in two crates. The puppies were covered in feces and did not have sufficient food and water, air, or shelter, police said. Russell Brown, 67, and Jamar Belle, 28, both from North Carolina, were arrested. The puppies were taken to local animal shelters. According t…
Duo Abandons Cat, Caught By Good Samaritan On Long Island: Police Duo Abandons Cat, Caught By Good Samaritan On Long Island: Police
Duo Abandons Cat, Caught By Good Samaritan On Long Island: Police Two Long Island women were charged with abandoning a six-year-old cat outside of a deserted building, according to authorities. On Monday, Aug. 28, the Suffolk County SPCA announced that two women from Bohemia have been charged with abandonment and conspiracy after they allegedly stranded their cat on the road in July 2023. On Monday, July 10 just before 4 p.m., 43-year-old Jillian Fitzpatrick and 69-year-old Janine Albrecht were caught by a Good Samaritan abandoning their cat Rocky. The duo dropped the six-year-old black cat off at the end of South Denver Avenue, just a few hundred fee…
Man Abandons Dog In Hot Car On Long Island, Leading To Its Death, Officials Announce Man Abandons Dog In Hot Car On Long Island, Leading To Its Death, Officials Announce
Man Abandons Dog In Hot Car On Long Island, Leading To Its Death, Officials Announce A Long Island man faces multiple animal cruelty charges when his dog died after allegedly being left in a car on a hot day, authorities announced. On Monday, Aug. 7, the Suffolk County SPCA announced the charges against Raymond Gonzalez, a 60-year-old North Amityville resident, for his alleged role in the death of Koko, his one-and-a-half-year-old dog. According to Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross, Gonzalez left the German shepherd-husky mix alone inside a car on a hot day. After several hours, Koko was discovered to be dead. In addition to the animal cruelty charges, Gonzalez was …
'Satanistic Ritual': Reward Upped For Information Relating To 'Gruesome' Long Island Incident 'Satanistic Ritual': Reward Upped For Information Relating To 'Gruesome' Long Island Incident
'Satanistic Ritual': Reward Upped For Information Relating To 'Gruesome' Long Island Incident Officials have renewed calls for information related to a disturbing incident involving severed goat heads behind a Long Island eatery. On Thursday, July 13, the Suffolk County SPCA offered a new tactic in hopes to get closer to catching the person responsible for what it described as “a satanistic ritual.” Read the original story: 'Ritualistic Sacrifice': 'Gruesome' Goat Remains Found Behind Farmingdale Eatery, Police Say In addition to the $2,000 put up by the SPCA, the department announced that the New York State Humane Association has provided an additional $1,000 reward to anyon…
Chihuahua Pushed Down Stairs, Killed At Hands Of Long Island 21-Year-Old, Police Say Chihuahua Pushed Down Stairs, Killed At Hands Of Long Island 21-Year-Old, Police Say
Chihuahua Pushed Down Stairs, Killed At Hands Of Long Island 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. 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 dire…
'Ritualistic Sacrifice': 'Gruesome' Goat Remains Found Behind Long Island Eatery, Police Say 'Ritualistic Sacrifice': 'Gruesome' Goat Remains Found Behind Long Island Eatery, Police Say
'Ritualistic Sacrifice': 'Gruesome' Goat Remains Found Behind Long Island Eatery, Police Say Two decapitated goats, along with other items, were found behind a Long Island fast food restaurant in what SPCA detectives have deemed a “gruesome discovery.” On Thursday, June 29, Suffolk County SPCA Detectives were called to 96 Broadhollow Road in Farmingdale, where they discovered the remains of two decapitated goats in plastic bags behind a Burger King. Along with the remains, Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross reported that detectives found other items that “would suggest a ritualistic animal sacrifice.” “All too many times these gruesome finds are discovered not only by adults bu…
Cocaine Chihuahuas: Long Island Man Arrested, Allegedly Drugged Puppies, SPCA Says Cocaine Chihuahuas: Long Island Man Arrested, Allegedly Drugged Puppies, SPCA Says
Cocaine Chihuahuas: Long Island Man Arrested, Allegedly Drugged Puppies, SPCA Says A Long Island man has been arrested and charged after his puppies were found to have ingested cocaine and fentanyl, officials reported. Port Jefferson Station resident Adam Dziomba, aged 53, was arrested on Friday, June 16 for animal cruelty charges, detectives with the Suffolk County SPCA announced. SPCA officers responded to a local animal hospital to find that Dziomba’s two chihuahua puppies, Freddy and Tonto, were suffering symptoms of a cocaine overdose. The puppies are both 15 weeks old. Narcan was given to the dogs to reverse the overdoses, as cocaine can be lethal to dogs. …
Animal Cruelty: Long Island Man Charged For Neglecting Dog, SPCA Says Animal Cruelty: Long Island Man Charged For Neglecting Dog, SPCA Says
Animal Cruelty: Long Island Man Charged For Neglecting Dog, SPCA Says A Long Island man has been charged after he allegedly severely neglected his 5-year-old dog. The Suffolk County SPCA announced on Monday, May 15 that Naheem A. Scafe, aged 31, of Amityville, was charged with one count of animal cruelty. SPCA officers allegedly responded to the Babylon Animal Shelter, where they saw Dollar, a 5-year-old bulldog. Dollar was severely emaciated and neglected and had been brought to the shelter by Animal Control covered in urine, dirt, and filth. When examined, officials found that Dollar had sores on his tongue, urine scalding to his scrotum, and inflamma…
Burglar Ransacks Farmingdale Home, Dog Kills Homeowner's Cat Burglar Ransacks Farmingdale Home, Dog Kills Homeowner's Cat
Burglar Ransacks Farmingdale Home, Dog Kills Homeowner's Cat A Long Island man was arrested after burglarizing or attempting to burglarize two homes, one ending in the death of a homeowner’s cat, police reported. Issac Flores, a 29-year-old Copiague resident, was arrested Monday, April 10 inside a Farmingdale home he had broken into, Nassau County Police announced. The homeowner, a 57-year-old woman, was allegedly notified by her petsitter that the back door of her home had been broken into at around 1:30 p.m. The woman’s two dogs and three cats had been let out of their crates, leading to one of the dogs killing one of the cats, police said. W…
Hunter From Hudson Valley Accused Of Killing, Skinning Pet Dogs He Mistook For Coyotes Hunter From Hudson Valley Accused Of Killing, Skinning Pet Dogs He Mistook For Coyotes
Hunter From Hudson Valley Accused Of Killing, Skinning Pet Dogs He Mistook For Coyotes A New York man faces criminal charges after allegedly killing and skinning two pet dogs in Connecticut that he thought were coyotes.  Putnam County resident Michael Konschak, age 61, of Carmel, faces tampering with evidence, forgery, and hunting-related violation charges after allegedly killing the two dogs in northern Fairfield County on Friday, Nov. 18 after they escaped their owner's home.  Konschak was arrested by environmental conservation police associated with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental protection on Wednesday, Feb. 8, according to court documents.  The …
Father, Son Charged After 26 Cats Found Living In Hoarding Conditions In Islip, Police Say Father, Son Charged After 26 Cats Found Living In Hoarding Conditions In Islip, Police Say
Father, Son Charged After 26 Cats Found Living In Hoarding Conditions In Islip, Police Say A father and son are facing charges after police said more than two dozen cats were found living in hoarding conditions at their Long Island home. Gary Verga, age 72, and 39-year-old Daniel Verga were arrested at about 7:20 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, after an investigation at their Islip home, the Suffolk County Police Department reported. Officers responded to reports of animal cruelty at home on Lake Street and noticed several cats outside of the home and the strong scent of ammonia coming from inside the residence, SCPD said. The cats in the residence were found to be living in over…
Man Steals Range Rover With Dog Inside As Woman Pumps Gas On Long Island Man Steals Range Rover With Dog Inside As Woman Pumps Gas On Long Island
Man Steals Range Rover With Dog Inside As Woman Pumps Gas On Long Island Police are searching for a man who allegedly stole a 2020 white Range Rover as the owner stood on the passenger side pumping gas on Long Island. The incident took place in Mineola around 2:45 p.m., Monday, Jan. 2, at the BP gas station located at 91 West Jericho Turnpike. According to Nassau County Police detectives, a 60-year-old woman was standing outside her vehicle at the gas pumps, on the passenger side when a man walked up, entered the driver's side door, and drove away onto the Jericho Turnpike. Inside the vehicle was a handbag that contained assorted credit cards and the …
Long Island Man Kept Dog In 'Putrid' Cage For 10 Days Straight, Officials Say Long Island Man Kept Dog In 'Putrid' Cage For 10 Days Straight, Officials Say
Long Island Man Kept Dog In 'Putrid' Cage For 10 Days Straight, Officials Say A man is facing animal cruelty charges after allegedly keeping a dog in a filthy cage for 10 days straight, officials said.  Suffolk County resident Peter Miller, age 57, of Melville, kept his male bull terrier “Buster” in a cage with "deplorable" conditions without taking the animal out of the cage or cleaning it at all for 10 days, according to an announcement by the Suffolk County Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals from Friday, Dec. 30.  The cage that Buster was kept in was found to have a "putrid smell of rotting food, ammonia and urine," in addition to…