On July 29, 2022, the New York City Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant for a property on Staten Island which was a large fenced-in lot with trailers, a bus, and an RV parked on it. Upon entering the property, members of the Sheriff’s Office observed a group of Huskies living in unhealthy and unsanitary conditions throughout the lot. There were approximately five dogs loose on the property, and once the first trailer was opened, 10 more Huskies came running out of it. 

The dogs were reported to be running around, apparently searching for food, and were drinking from a small children’s pool filled with dirty, foul-smelling water. This was the only source of water for the dogs available on the property. The only apparent food accessible was found in large white buckets with maggots crawling over them. An adult Husky and several puppies were found underneath the first trailer, one of whom was deceased. And inside the second trailer, two additional adult dogs were found.

The interior of both trailers was unsuitable for animal habitation and covered in urine and fecal matter, with the animals defecating and urinating freely inside the small space. Additionally, it was extremely hot and stuffy inside, with no light fixtures, air flow, or food and water. 

In total, 24 dogs were found on the property. The dogs and puppies were immediately transferred to our care in New York City, where they have been receiving medical care and behavioral treatment and enrichment.   

“The successful investigation and rescue in this case was the collaborative effort of dedicated personnel from the Sheriff’s Office, Richmond County District Attorney, the ASPCA and other organizations,” said New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda. “It is important to acknowledge and recognize the importance of the community reporting what they saw, allowing us to mobilize in response. We are happy the Huskies are in better and more compassionate hands.”    

Richmond County District Attorney Michael E. McMahon recently announced that a Staten Island man has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with multiple counts of second, third, and fourth-degree criminal mischief as well as twenty-four counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals for failing to provide proper sustenance for 24 dogs under his care.

“As alleged in the indictment, this defendant neglected to provide basic needs for 24 Huskies under his care, choosing to heartlessly leave these beautiful creatures in deplorable and unsafe conditions without access to enough food or water,” said Staten Island District Attorney Michael E. McMahon. “We are extremely thankful for our partners in the Sheriff’s Office and ASPCA for taking immediate action to rescue and care for the injured dogs, and my office’s Animal Cruelty Unit will now work tirelessly to ensure justice is served in this case.”     

“The ASPCA is deeply committed to ending animal cruelty across New York City’s five boroughs, and we are proud to work alongside the New York City Sheriff’s Office and Richmond County District Attorney’s Office to bring these dogs to safety and provide them with the much-needed medical care and behavioral treatment they deserve,” said Erin Satterthwaite, NYC Counsel for ASPCA Legal Advocacy and Investigations.