Nassau D.A., S.P.C.A. offering $5,000 for information in Valley Stream dog abuse case

An emaciated dog with what appeared to be multiple cigarette burns on its head was found abandoned in Valley Stream on the afternoon of Jan. 10.

The Nassau County District Attorney’s office and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are offering $5,000 to anyone who could provide information possibly leading to the arrest of a suspect on animal abuse charges.

The dog, a white male boxer mix, whose name is now Chester, was reportedly found in an open fenced yard on Princeton Street at around 5 p.m. and appeared to be extremely emaciated with several burn marks on the top of his head.

Chester was brought to Central Veterinary Associated in Valley Stream, which referred the case to the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. Veterinarians at the shelter determined that the marks on his head were likely cigarette burns, and that he had no medical condition that would cause weight loss, leading them to conclude that he had been the victim of neglect.

“Burning an animal with cigarettes and starving it to the point of emaciation is a clear sign of neglect and abuse,” Nassau County SPCA President Gary Rogers said in a statement. “I’m grateful to the Nassau County D.A., and committed to finding whoever did this to Chester.”

Princeton Street is located on the west end of Valley Stream near the Queens County border as well as several major thoroughfares such as the Cross Island Parkway, Merrick Road and Sunrise Highway, leading D.A. officials to believe he may have been abandoned by a passing commuter.

Foster owners are currently caring for Chester.

The Nassau D.A. and S.P.C.A request that anyone with information regarding this case call the D.A.’s tip line at (516) 571-7755 using the reference case number ACU 5-20 or the S.P.C.A.’s Animal Abuse Hotline at (516) 843-7722.