Abandoned dog found with cigarette burns on its head, malnourished in Valley Stream

The Nassau County SPCA is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who abandoned a malnourished dog with burn marks in Valley Stream.

According to officials, on Jan. 10, a male boxer mix was found in an open fenced yard on Princeton Street.

The dog was found to be extremely emaciated with several burn marks on the top of its head.

The person who found the dog, now named Chester, brought the animal to a veterinary center, which referred the case to the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter.

Following an examination, veterinarians at the shelter determined the dog was not suffering from any medical conditions that would cause weight loss, and that the burns on the top of its head were likely from cigarettes.

Nassau County SPCA President Gary Rogers said, “Burning an animal with cigarettes and starving it to the point of emaciation is a clear sign of neglect and abuse. I am grateful to the Nassau County DA and committed to finding whoever did this to Chester.”

Dr. Angela Orobello, who helped treat Chester, says he's being fed small but frequent meals to get him used to having food again. She says Chester has already gained 6 ½ pounds since last week.

Chester is being temporarily cared for by foster owners and will eventually be put up for adoption.

Anyone with information is asked to call the SPCA’s Animal Abuse Hotline is 516-843-7722.