Long Island fire uncovers dozens of malnourished chickens, owner arrested
A house fire in Westbury led authorities to discover 66 emaciated chickens, including 60 newborns, and resulted in the homeowner's arrest on animal-cruelty charges.
When a kitchen fire broke out in a Westbury home, police discovered 66 chickens crammed into cages, many of them dehydrated and undernourished, with 60 of the birds still chirping as newborns. Humane Long Island intervened, delivering medical treatment, proper food, and warm housing to the rescued fowl. The organization plans to place the chickens in adoption homes that will treat them solely as companions.
Victor Xu, 44, was charged with one count per bird for torturing or injuring the animals and an additional count for failing to provide sustenance. He received a desk appearance ticket and will return to court on August 10. The case highlights severe animal-cruelty violations uncovered by an otherwise routine fire response.
Why it matters
The incident exposes extreme animal cruelty and prompts legal action, raising awareness of wildlife welfare enforcement.
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