Photo Courtesy of ASPCA
The rescued animals are now in the care of the ASPCA, where experts are conducting veterinary forensic exams and providing the dogs with ongoing medical care, behavioral treatment, and enrichment to prepare them for adoption as appropriate.
By Forum Staff
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz on Tuesday announced that Fred Thomson has been charged with failure to provide proper care to animals for allegedly keeping more than 45 dogs and puppies in unsanitary conditions in his Broad Channel home.
Thomson, 69, was arraigned Tuesday on a 90-count complaint charging him with 45 counts of failure to provide proper food and drink to an impounded animal and 45 counts of overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals/failing to provide sustenance.
According to the charges, on Nov. 16, NYPD officials and ASPCA employees conducted a court-authorized search of Thomson’s of East 9th Road home and found 45 dachshund-like dogs and puppies living in Thomson’s one-family residence, where there was feces and urine on the floors, walls, and various pieces of furniture. The animals were found covered in feces and urine, with dirty haircoats, overgrown nails, and presenting with gum disease. They also found multiple white mattresses almost entirely stained brown from excrement and completely chewed through. The officials believed the animals were without sufficient food and water.
Photo Courtesy of Google
Cops and ASPCA personnel conducted a court-authorized search of Thomson’s of East 9th Road home and found 45 dachshund-like dogs and puppies living in Thomson’s one-family residence.
According to the complaint, a strong smell of ammonia, associated with urine, emanated from within the residence. Because the home lacked proper ventilation, responding personnel required masks, respirators, and other personal protective equipment to safely remove the animals from the residence.
The rescued animals are now in the care of the ASPCA, where experts are conducting veterinary forensic exams and providing the dogs with ongoing medical care, behavioral treatment, and enrichment to prepare them for adoption as appropriate.
“Once we became aware of the extremely poor conditions these dogs were in, we mobilized quickly to stop their suffering and provide them with expert medical and behavioral care,” ASPCA President and CEO Matt Bershadker said. “This case reflects the lifesaving impact of our partnership with the NYPD, and we thank them and the Queens District Attorney’s Office for their continued support in protecting vulnerable animals across New York City.”
If convicted, Thomson faces up to one year in jail.
