Rahman (Photo: Nassau County District Attorney)
A Hempstead man was arrested for alleged dogfighting after a dead pit bull was found in his backyard, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s office.
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Reuben Phillips, 33, let an investigator with the DA’s Animal Crimes Unit who was responding to an anonymous tip into his St. Paul’s Road South home Friday morning.
Once in the backyard the investigator discovered the body of a dead pit bull lying in a dirt hole. Phillips said that the male dog, named Snow, must have died during the night, but offered no further explanation, according to prosecutors.
He also found a tan pit bull named Rahman, who was severely emaciated and injured. The dog’s ribs, hips and pelvic bones were visible and he had numerous raw and untreated wounds on his neck and ears.
Rahman also had healed scars all over his body that were consistent with injuries suffered in dog fighting.
Both dogs were taken to the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter.
Phillips was charged with overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; failure to provide property sustenance and animal fighting.
He faces up to two years in jail if convicted. He is due back in court Tuesday.
