LI Man Kept Deer As Pet In Backyard Of East Hampton Home, Police Say

SPRINGS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A Long Island man is accused of illegally keeping a deer as a pet in the backyard of his East Hampton home.

East Hampton Police made the discovery while responding to reports of a possible illegal housing situation at a home on Cedar Street in Springs, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported.

Police discovered the three-bedroom home had been converted into seven bedrooms, which were subsequently being rented out. The house also lacked proper fire and carbon monoxide detectors, and an extension cord was being used instead of permanent electrical wiring. 

According to East Hampton Supervisor Larry Cantwell, when authorities went into the backyard, they found a deer "tied with a dog collar and attached to a stake in the backyard."

"That's obviously not something anybody should be doing," Cantwell said.

Owner Angel Otavalo faces several housing violations.

"This raises the concern of potential for fire and other things," Cantwell said.

The young deer -- which was not afraid of humans -- was taken to a nearby rehabilitation facility.