Authorities rescued 66 chickens and chicks from what officials described as "torturous conditions" in a Westbury, Long Island, home following a kitchen fire that alerted first responders. The homeowner, Victor Xu, 44, was arrested Tuesday on animal cruelty charges.
Officers responding to the fire discovered the animals in cages. Many of the chickens were emaciated and dehydrated, and 60 of the chicks were so young they were "still peeping," according to John Di Leonardo, executive director of Humane Long Island. The organization has taken in the rescued birds.
Xu faces 66 counts of torturing or injuring an animal, one for each chicken, as well as a charge for failing to provide sustenance. He was issued a desk appearance ticket and released, with a court date set for August 10.
Humane Long Island is providing veterinary care, food, and shelter to the rescued animals. Once medically cleared, the chickens will be available for adoption as companion animals. "Our team has been working around the clock to provide these survivors with veterinary care, nutritious food, clean housing, warmth and the comfort they were denied," Di Leonardo stated. "Once medically cleared, all 66 chickens will be available for adoption into companion-only homes where they will be cherished, never exploited."