Police arrested a man and charged him with animal abuse after more than a dozen dogs and cats that may have been stolen were rescued from a Queens home.
The ASPCA is now caring for eleven dogs and two cats that had been kept in "filthy conditions" inside a home on Beach 44 Street in the Edgemere section of the Rockaways. Police said that the animals were found around 6 a.m. Monday abused, malnourished and dehydrated.
Police were looking for the dogs and cats in connection with a grand larceny pattern. One of the canines, a German shepherd, found was confirmed to have been stolen, police said.
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The ASPCA said the animals were living in "filthy conditions" inside the home, where detectives also confiscated heroin, fentanyl, stolen tools and DJ equipment. In addition to animal abuse, 43-year-old Cory Elder was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of stolen property, neglect of an impounded animal, and more.
"Many of the animals were underweight, dehydrated and had dirty hair coats. The animals were immediately transported to the ASPCA’s care, where veterinary and behavior experts are conducting forensic exams and providing them with much-needed medical care and behavioral treatment and enrichment," the ASPCA said in a statement.
Attorney information for Elder was not immediately clear.
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Police are now looking to reunite the pets with their owners they were stolen away from.
