Nearly 100 chickens recovered from Westbury home after fire
Nassau County police said officers responding to a house fire Tuesday morning at a home on Mist Lane discovered dozens of chickens confined in crates throughout the property.
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The Nassau SPCA says nearly 100 chickens were rescued from a Westbury home where the agency says they were being kept in unhealthy and unsanitary conditions.
Nassau County police said officers responding to a house fire Tuesday morning at a home on Mist Lane discovered dozens of chickens confined in crates throughout the property.
Neighbor Ron Caruso, who called 911 after spotting the fire, said he was surprised to learn about the number of animals being kept at the residence.
“I don't think we're zoned for farm animals here, I'm pretty sure,” Caruso said. “I never really heard them other than a rooster from time to time.”
Once the chickens were found, Humane Long Island stepped in to remove the birds and provide emergency care.
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.
Police arrested the homeowner, identified as 44-year-old Victor Xu. Authorities said Xu is charged with 66 counts of torturing or injuring animals and failure to provide sustenance.
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.
It remains unclear what the chickens were being used for. Di Leonardo said many of the birds are young.
“Most of these were babies. About 60 of them were juveniles. Most of them are still peeping,” he said.
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.
Xu is scheduled to go to court Aug. 10.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known.
