Sixty-six neglected chickens—including 60 baby chicks—were rescued after a house fire led first responders to a backyard where the birds were being kept in what rescuers described as torturous conditions, authorities and an animal rescue organization said.
Officers responded to a kitchen fire at 67 Mist Lane in Westbury, New York, around 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, where they found an active fire inside the home, according to Nassau County police.
The East Meadow Fire Department extinguished the flames, and no injuries were reported.
Subsequent to the investigation, Officers observed several crates with multiple chickens in the backyard of the residence. The Humane Society was notified and the chickens were safely removed.
John Di Leonardo, executive director of Humane Long Island, described the conditions as alarming. “They didn’t have any food in any of the enclosures, and the water was absolutely feces-ridden,” Di Leonardo said.
The discovery proved shocking to neighbors.
“I don’t think we’re zoned for farm animals here, I’m pretty sure,” neighbor Ron Caruso said. “I never really heard them other than a rooster from time to time.”
Defendant Victor Xu is charged with sixty-six (66) counts of Torturing or Injuring Animals / Failure to Provide Sustenance.
Many of the birds are young. “Most of these were babies. About 60 of them were juveniles. Most of them are still peeping,” Di Leonardo said.
It remains unclear what the chickens were being used for.
Caruso said he occasionally saw family members at the home. “I see his children playing. They come here on weekends. Mom lives there. I believe he still has a residence in Queens,” Caruso said.
In the viral moment of the kitchen fire discovery, rescuers gained an unexpected opportunity.
Officers responded to 67 Mist Lane for a residential house fire. Upon arrival officers observed an active kitchen fire. The East Meadow Fire Department responded and extinguished the flames. No injuries were reported. Subsequent to the investigation, Officers observed several crates with multiple chickens in the backyard of the residence. The Humane Society was notified and the chickens were safely removed.
Humane Long Island is now working to place the rescued chickens in suitable homes. The organization said the birds are available for adoption by individuals who can legally own and care for them.
He was issued an Appearance Ticket returnable on Monday, August 10 at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.