Long Island Man Arrested On Dogfighting Charges
MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A Long Island man is facing up to a year in prison after he was arrested on dogfighting charges.
Hector Hernandez, 26, was arrested Thursday after investigators found eight pit bulls in cages at his West Hempstead home, Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced Friday.
The dogs were living in substandard conditions, prosecutors said, and two of the dogs, Roja and Nana, were malnourished and had fresh bite marks.
The investigators also found heavy restraint chains and a treadmill that had been modified with a wooden frame and dog tether, prosecutors said.
"There will be serious consequences for those who show the utmost disregard for the animals under their care," Rice said in a statement. "My office will continue to work closely with advocates and local authorities to ensure that animals are protected, and that the people who mistreat, abuse and exploit them are brought to justice."
Long Island Man Arrested On Dogfighting Charges
Hernandez was arraigned Friday on charges of dogfighting and failing to provide proper sustenance to the animals.
He is being held on $2,500 bail and is due back in court next Wednesday.
If convicted, Hernandez could also be fined $15,000 per dog.
An anonymous tipster called the DA's tip line to report the animal cruelty, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported.
The dogs were taken to a local shelter.
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