Bellport Man Indicted for Felony Animal Cruelty for Allegedly Cutting Dog’s Ears Off Which Led to Its Death
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that David Iglesias, 34, of Bellport, was indicted for Aggravated Cruelty to Animals and other related charges, for allegedly cutting off the ears of “Niva,” his thirteen-year-old female dog, causing severe pain and physical injuries that lead to its death.
“Animal cruelty is not merely a minor offense, it is a serious crime. By addressing and prosecuting these crimes with the severity they deserve, we are taking a critical step in promoting a safer and more humane society,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office works closely with local law enforcement, animal control officers, and animal welfare organizations to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.”
According to the investigation, in November 2022, Niva was allegedly attacked by Iglesias’ other dog, leaving Niva severely injured. Iglesias allegedly brought Niva down to his basement, cut her injured ears off, and then used glue in an attempt to close the wounds. Iglesias did not bring Niva to a veterinarian until December 2, 2022. The veterinarian evaluated Niva and found her to be in septic shock and near death. Niva needed to be euthanized due to the severity of her injuries.
A post-mortem examination of Niva was done in which it was determined that prior to her death, Niva sustained extensive injuries including repetitive puncture wounds especially on her limbs, a mostly missing right ear, and a large wound where her left ear once was.
On July 12, 2024, Iglesias was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski for the following charges:
- Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, an Unclassified Felony
- Overdriving, Torturing, and Injuring Animals, a Class A misdemeanor; and
- Clipping/Cutting Ears of Dogs, an Unclassified Misdemeanor.
All three charges that Iglesias faces are considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning that prosecutors could not ask for bail, nor could a judge set bail at the time of arraignment. Therefore, Justice Pilewski released Iglesias on his own recognizance but ordered that he not own or possess any animals during the pendency of the case. Iglesias is due back in court on August 1, 2024, and he is being represented by Eric Besso, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Annemarie DiBlasio of the Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team.
Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.