RIVERHEAD, N.Y. – A 76-year-old man from Riverhead, New York, has been charged with felony animal cruelty after allegedly fatally shooting two German Shepherds with a rifle. Carlo Lauro was ordered held without bail at his arraignment by Riverhead Town Justice Sean Walter.
District Attorney Ray Tierney described the case as “a particularly horrific example of cruelty” in an announcement of Lauro’s arrest. Lauro is reported to have faced various complaints to the town regarding the condition of and activities at his Sound Avenue property. These complaints led to prosecutions by the town attorney’s office for illegal animal sales, attempts to operate an illegal slaughterhouse, dilapidated and illegal structures, loose farm animals, and general property maintenance.
According to Town Attorney Erik Howard, the Riverhead Town Attorney’s Office supports the prosecution of Mr. Lauro and is prepared to assist in any way necessary to secure a conviction for Lauro’s reprehensible conduct and wanton disregard for the life of a companion animal.
Sick and injured animals were found living among the corpses of their friends at Lauro’s property, according to John Di Leonardo, anthrozoologist and Executive Director of Humane Long Island.
The investigation revealed that five surviving Belgian Malinois/Dutch Shepard mix dogs, a Border Collie, and two German Shepard dogs, along with numerous other animals including goats, pigs, cows, and chickens, were living in deplorable conditions without access to clean food and water. The circumstances of their deaths are still under investigation.
Lauro has been initially charged with one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, a Class E felony, and three counts of Neglect of an Impounded Animal, unclassified misdemeanors. His next court date is Jan. 17. The investigation is ongoing.