STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Law enforcement officials are pursuing animal cruelty charges against a man in connection with a raid last week in Tompkinsville during which two dozen Huskies were removed from what officials described as deplorable living conditions.
Victor Quinteros, 54, was arrested Friday by New York City Sheriff’s deputies who carried out the operation, alongside ASPCA workers at a fenced-in area along the 100 block of Van Duzer Street. Officials said the property was shielded by a tarp and barbed-wire.
The top charge against Quinteros is felony aggravated cruelty to animals, in addition to 24 counts of misdemeanor neglect of impounded animals and 24 counts of inappropriate shelter for dogs, according to a written statement Sunday from the NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Public Information’s office.
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Husky dogs removed by NYC Sheriff’s deputies and the ASPCA on Staten Island in animal-cruelty investigation
Authorities found 16 adult dogs and eight puppies on the property Friday. With temperatures exceeding 85 degrees that day, a majority of the dogs were found inside trailers covered in feces and urine. One puppy was found dead and an adult was severely injured.
A spokesman for the Legal Aid Society — a public defender with the organization was assigned to Quinteros’ case — declined to comment.
PRIOR ASSAULT AT THE LOCATION
Weeks prior to the raid, Quinteros allegedly assaulted a person at the same location, an NYPD spokesperson said Sunday.
A source familiar with that arrest said he was accused of punching a 40-year-old woman in the face after suspecting her of peeking into the property.
The defendant faces charges of misdemeanor assault and second-degree harassment in that case, court records indicates. He was arraigned July 19 and released on his own recognizance. The judge ordered a temporary order of protection on behalf of the victim. He was set to return to court Aug. 31.
Authorities said abused and neglected husky dogs were rescued by the New York City Office of the Sheriff and the ASPCA Animal Rescue Unit on Van Duzer Street in Tompkinsville on July 29, 2022. (Staten Island Advance/Derek Alvez)
A formal complaint was received Thursday by the New York City Office of the Sheriff, prompting an investigation of the property and ultimately a search warrant with the help of the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office, officials previously stated.
Outside of the arrests last week, Quinteros doesn’t have any other priors in New York City, the spokesperson said.
In a previous statement, Sheriff Anthony Miranda said: “Cruelty to animals in this case is a very serious issue. The Sheriff’s [Office] was glad to be able to partner with the Office of the District Attorney to be able to take some corrective action to save the animals and to be able to hold the individual accountable for the abuses that have been going on there for quite sometime.”
Authorities said abused and neglected husky dogs were rescued by the New York City Office of the Sheriff and the ASPCA Animal Rescue Unit on Van Duzer Street in Tompkinsville on July 29, 2022. (Staten Island Advance/Derek Alvez)