MINEOLA, N.Y. – The Nassau County District Attorney’s Office announced today that the Nassau County SPCA is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who abandoned a malnourished dog with burn marks in Valley Stream.
On Friday, January 10, at approximately 5:00 pm, 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.
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.
“This innocent animal suffered needlessly, and we need to get justice for Chester,” said DA Singas. “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.”
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.”
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.
Chester is being temporarily cared for by foster owners.
If you have any information regarding this case, please call the Nassau County DA’s tip line at 516-571-7755 and reference case number ACU 5-20. The SPCA’s Animal Abuse Hotline is: 516-843-7722.
Pictures of Chester are attached. Video of Chester can be found here.
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