LI Man Indicted After Cutting Dog's Ears Off, Leading To Her Death: DA

BELLPORT, NY — A West Islip man, 34, was indicted on charges including aggravated cruelty to animals after he cut the ears off his 13-year-old dog Niva, causing severe pain and leading to her death, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

According to the investigation, in November 2022, Niva was allegedly attacked by David Iglesias’ other dog, leaving Niva severely injured, the DA said.

Iglesias reportedly brought Niva down to his basement, cut her injured ears off, and then used glue in an attempt to close the wounds, Tierney said. Iglesias did not bring Niva to a veterinarian until December 2, 2022, Tierney said.

The veterinarian evaluated Niva and found her to be in septic shock and near death; she needed to be euthanized due to the severity of her injuries, the DA said.

A post-mortem examination of Niva was done, in which it was determined that prior to her death, Niva sustained extensive injuries including repetitive puncture wounds especially on her limbs, a mostly missing right ear, and a large wound where her left ear once was, Tierney said.

On July 12, Iglesias was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven Pilewski on charges including aggravated cruelty to animals, a felony; overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals, a misdemeanor; and clipping/cutting ears of dogs, a misdemeanor, Tieney said.

All three charges that Iglesias faces are considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning that prosecutors could not ask for bail, nor could a judge set bail at the time of arraignment, Tierney said. Therefore, Justice Pilewski released Iglesias on his own recognizance but ordered that he not own or possess any animals during the pendency of the case, the DA said.

Iglesias is due back in court on August 1 and he is being represented by Eric Besso, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

"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 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."