“Detective LaFemina has a passion for animals, took the lead on this case, and really put his heart into it,” said Lieutenant Hamilton the 77 Precinct Detective Squad commander. “This was a home run for us, we saved an animal, we recovered guns, and we got the bad guy.”
Investigating a tip from an animal hospital led Brooklyn detectives to arrest a man for animal cruelty and dog fighting. In February, Detective LaFemina of the 77 Precinct began his investigation into the death of an 11-month-old pit bull whose injuries were consistent with dog fighting. While visiting the dog’s owner, Detective LeFemina observed dog fighting paraphernalia and other signs of possible animal cruelty taking place at the location. He also noticed a second pit bull in the house with facial injuries.
“I have rescued dogs that I have found abandoned, and I have three pit bulls of my own. I’m a huge animal lover,” said Detective Anthony LaFemina.
As the result of the ongoing investigation into animal fighting, members of the 77 Precinct Detective Squad conducted a search warrant at a residence on Brooklyn’s Prospect Place in early March.
They were supported by the NYPD Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad detectives and representatives from the ASPCA. Members of the NYPD Emergency Services Unit A-Team provided assistance and gained entry to the home. A pit bull was removed for treatment by the ASPCA.
Arrested: Male, 48
Charges: Animal Cruelty, Criminal Possession of a Weapon (multiple counts) and multiple Agricultural Market Law violations
Recovered:
9 mm handgun (reported stolen in North Carolina)
Bolt-Action .762 SKS Rifle
.380 handgun
Crossbow
850 rounds of various
12 Knives
Dog Fighting Paraphernalia
2 High capacity magazines and 4 regular magazines
Handcuffs
