RIVERHEAD, N.Y. – A Long Island man has been arrested in connection with an animal cruelty investigation after allegedly shooting two German Shepherds in the head with a rifle, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
Carlos Lauro, 76, is facing charges of aggravated cruelty to animals and neglect of impounded animals. The investigation began when a one-year-old German Shepherd was taken to a veterinary hospital in Westbury, paralyzed from a gunshot wound. The dog, named “Blitzkrieg,” was found shot and laying in a pen on Lauro’s property next to a dead goat.
Further investigation revealed that Lauro had also shot and killed another German Shepherd, a six-month-old puppy named “Cranky,” allegedly because the puppy refused to go inside the house. Detectives also found numerous dead animals, including a baby goat and pig at the scene.
Lauro was ordered to be held without bail at his arraignment, and his next court date is Jan. 17. He is being represented by the Legal Aid Society of Suffolk County. This case, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, is a particularly horrific example of cruelty and they will seek justice for the animal victims.
The live animals at Lauro’s property were found to be living in neglect, with no access to clean food and water. Humane Long Island has been assisting the investigation by helping the farm animals find foster care.