David Iglesias, a 34-year-old resident of West Islip, has been indicted on charges of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals and related offenses after allegedly cutting off the ears of his thirteen-year-old dog, “Niva,” causing fatal injuries. The indictment was announced today by Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney.
“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.”
The investigation revealed that in November 2022, Niva was attacked by Iglesias’ other dog, resulting in severe injuries. Instead of seeking immediate veterinary care, Iglesias allegedly brought Niva to his basement, cut off her injured ears, and attempted to close the wounds with glue. It wasn’t until December 2, 2022, that Iglesias took Niva to a veterinarian. By then, the dog was in septic shock and near death, leading to her being euthanized due to the severity of her injuries.
A post-mortem examination revealed that Niva had sustained extensive injuries, including repetitive puncture wounds, a mostly missing right ear, and a large wound where her left ear had been.
On July 12, 2024, Iglesias was arraigned before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski on the following charges:
- Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, an Unclassified Felony
- Overdriving, Torturing, and Injuring Animals, a Class A misdemeanor
- Clipping/Cutting Ears of Dogs, an Unclassified Misdemeanor
Under current New York State law, all three charges are considered non-bail eligible, meaning prosecutors could not request bail, nor could a judge set it at the arraignment. As a result, Justice Pilewski released Iglesias on his own recognizance with the condition that he not own or possess any animals during the pendency of the case.
A criminal charge is an accusation, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.
