News

Abused dogs removed from town shelter

Posted

Holding a tiny, 2-month-old black pit bull, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray announced last Friday that the town’s animal shelter, in Wantagh, was caring for 11 dogs that were part of an alleged dog-fighting and heroin ring that was busted last week.

Because of that press conference, the animal shelter’s possession of the dogs was short-lived. The 11 dogs have since been removed, according to Jed L. Painter, chief of the Animal Crimes Unit for the Nassau County district attorney’s office, and taken to an undisclosed location. Painter sent a letter to Hempstead Town Attorney Joseph Ra saying that Murray’s handling of the animals and release of other information violated a judge’s orders.

“Ms. Murray’s action in handling the evidence without my prior knowledge or consent … or the approval of the court, was wholly unauthorized,” Painter’s letter stated. “Furthermore, her publication of the ages, genders, and other identifying characteristics of the evidence was similarly unauthorized and equally imprudent.”

Ra responded that the town would follow the directives of the letter, and that there was never any intention to reveal confidential information, but stated that it was obvious where the animals would be going.

On May 14, Nassau County officials revealed the arrest of 15 gang members and their associates in connection with the sale and distribution of fentanyl-laced heroin, various controlled prescription drugs and dog fighting. The previous day, search warrants were executed in Roosevelt and Freeport. Agencies taking part in the arrests included the Major Case detectives, the Bureau of Special Operations, the District Attorney’s Squad and investigators, the Emergency Services Unit and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

“With investigations like these,” Acting District Attorney Madeline Singas said, “we are taking down pushers of violence, addiction and death who have been preying on our communities, while further demonstrating the clear and undeniable link between animal abuse and broader criminal enterprises.”

Singas announced the arrests along with County Executive Ed Mangano and Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter.

Page 1 / 3